Rudy Gestede stressed open communication with supporters will be a key in his role as Blackburn Rovers' Head of Football Operations.

The 35-year-old is back at Ewood Park in a new role, devised to oversee all departments at the football club. Gestede has been shadowing at the football club for the last six months and has now accepted a full-time position.

A major criticism from Rovers fans has been a lack of transparency and proactive communication at the club. 

Gestede vowed to ensure supporters feel connected with Rovers by helping them understand the clear strategy moving forward.

READ MORE: Gestede explains what new Rovers role will look like

"We need the fans, we need them to turn up for games and we need them to understand the plan of the club. Where we are going and why we're going this way," he told RoversTV.

"We need their support when there is change at the club. You're not a fan for one day or one season, you have to be a fan for 10, 20, 30 years. It's a long-term support that we need from the fans.

"I'm pleased we have this but we want more at the stadium on a Saturday. We want to excite the fans more on the pitch and get more fans on the stadium.

"I think communication is key, they have to know what's going on to a certain extent obviously. If you want them to feel part of the club then you need to make them feel like they know what's happening in the club.

"I'm pleased we're doing this already. Steve Waggott is doing his best to ensure the fans know what's happening in the club.

"I think Steve is working to make sure we are improved on everything and we're all aligned in the same direction."

Gestede will report directly to Steve Waggott as Chief Executive and will be based directly at the Brockhall Senior Training Centre (STC).

Having spent the last six months inside operations at Ewood Park, he feels ready to assume the challenge ahead of him.

"It's always easier to get into a club when you know the environment," he explained.

"During the last six months, I have observed every department at Ewood Park, the STC and The Academy.

"I had time to meet with everyone in the club. I'm excited now to be part of it and have some kind of input to try and move forward.

"You have assumptions when you're outside of the club and you think you know what's happening inside but it's always different. It was very important for me to be inside the club, speak to people and understand why we're in this situation and where the club wants to be.

"I'll be directly reporting to Steve as CEO to ensure we align. I'm not the only person to report to him, there is the Head of Academy (Stuart Jones), Head of Recruitment (John Park), who will be the main man to support at the STC.

"It is a group of leadership to ensure the club is going in the right direction and we can give the team the best support on a Saturday which is the most important thing for us."