JASON Wilcox believes Henning Berg’s arrival as Blackburn Rovers manager will put the soul back into the club after describing the past two years as a ‘nightmare’.

Wilcox, who was a team-mate of Berg’s when Rovers won the Premier League title back in 1995, believes the Norwegian can be a success at Ewood and has welcomed the arrival of someone who ‘knows the club’.

The former Rovers winger, said: “It is a bit of a surprise but he was a very sensible and knowledgable chap when he played for us and I’m sure he will do well.

“It is time we started going back to using people who know the club inside out.

“Henning is one of these people.

“Appointing someone like this can give the club the heart that it has lost over the past couple of years.

“Henning was a very popular player and I just hope he can be the same as manager. Everyone needs to get behind the appointment and then we can see how he does.”

Rovers legend Bryan Douglas has also welcomed the appointment, after a managerial search that has dragged on for a month since the resignation of Steve Kean.

Douglas, who made 503 appearances between 1952 and 1969, said: “I knew him as a player. He was a very nice guy and a popular player. I hope that popularity can spread into his management.

“I am just glad the search is over at last. It has been a while and hopefully this appointment can bring a bit of positivity back. We need something to kick-start us.

“I think it could work out well, it will be exciting to see.”

The Blackburn Rovers Action Group, who had been opposed to Steve Kean’s reign and also voiced their concerns when an official approach was made for Billy McKinlay, last night offered their backing to Berg.

A statement said: “Henning was very popular when here at Rovers as a player and is a model professional with a clean image.

“We welcome him wholeheartedly back to fortress Ewood.”