Rudy Gestede insists Blackburn Rovers are still working to become a Premier League club after becoming their Head of Football Operations.

The 35-year-old's new role was unveiled last week as part of Rovers' restructuring behind the scenes. Gestede will oversee all departments at the Senior Training Centre in a wide-ranging position.

Last season was a difficult campaign for Rovers, who avoided relegation on the last day of the season after a terrible run of form. 

Gestede insists the club is working to ensure there is no repeat and wants Rovers to aim for the top flight, though that will take time.

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"We want to achieve greatness which is going to the Premier League, that is our goal, but it'll take a few steps," he told RoversTV.

"I think we can do it, we will ensure we can improve, improve and improve to get there. There is work to do, last season was very difficult for everyone, the players, the staff, the fans.

"We want to start fresh, fresh minds, legs, environment. We'll do that to achieve high performances on and off the pitch.

"I couldn't start at a better place than Blackburn Rovers and that's why I have to thank the ownership, Steve Waggott, Suhail, for giving me this opportunity.

"I am very excited to be part of this environment. I'll give 100 per cent, 200 per cent for the club as I did as a player."

This is Gestede's first senior position, having spent the last six months shadowing at Ewood Park. The forward has owned businesses in France and has completed a CEO management course in Manchester.

He explained how entering the world of business has opened his eyes to another side of football that he perhaps didn't appreciate when he was playing.

"It's my first step and I'm very focused on that. For me, there is a lot to learn, it's my first role within the club but with my business acumen, I've got knowledge about management and operations," he explained.

"I have everything to start this new role, it's different in a football environment. A new club, a new country because my business was in France. There were a few months to get into the feeling for six months but now I'm ready. 

"As a player, you always wanted a better quality of everything which costs money. When you're behind the scenes, you understand the costs of the club and the budgets you must look after.

"I understand sometimes the fans want money spending for this and that but to ensure the club is sustained, there is a budget to look after.

"When you go behind the scenes, you understand why you can't always spend the money and where there are restrictions. I'm pleased that I can see both worlds, I can explain to players why we are doing or aren't doing it this way. 

"If I can have chats with the fans to be the link between everyone, I will do it."

He continued: "You see more outside of the pitch, you can see people behind are doing the best for the club and the maximum to sustain the club. To make sure the players have the best situation to support them.

"You don't always see that as a player, you can think people aren't doing their job. The people involved in the club at Blackburn in every department are doing their best and working hours and hours to make sure.

"I was surprised, a slap in the head, to see what they do to help you perform on a weekend. Being on the other side, you understand how players get the best environment to be ready to win three points on a Saturday."