RAY HARFORD resigned today as manager of Blackburn Rovers, just 16 months after taking over from Kenny Dalglish.
Harford and Rovers chairman Robert Coar announced the decision at a Press conference at Brockhall, following two days of soul-searching by the manager.
Rovers have made their worst start ever to a League season and are rooted to the foot of the Premiership table still without a win after 10 games.
On Tuesday, they suffered an embarrassing Coca Cola Cup exit at the hands of Second Division Stockport County when the clamour from supporters for Harford to go increased dramatically. And Harford revealed that the cup defeat had been the last straw.
He said: "It was a big decision and a lot of thought went into it.
"The Stockport game finally clinched it. The result and performance was the last straw.
"But I have no criticism of the players at all. They have been playing with an anxiety and a lack of confidence because they want to do so well."
Tony Parkes takes over as caretaker-boss for tomorrow's game at West Ham.
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