STEVE Kean has paid tribute to John Williams after the Rovers chairman ended his almost 14 year reign at Blackburn Rovers.

The Rovers boss revealed he did not know who would be replacing Williams, but wanted to hail the job he has done for more than a decade.

Kean said: "John has been here a very long time and has done a fantastic job over the years.

"Certainly in difficult financial times he has pulled the club through.

"He has decided to stand down and I have always had a good relationship with John, probably more when I was first team coach than in the last couple of months.

"We wish him all the best and I am sure he would wish us all the best as well.

"I have got no idea who will replace him, that won't be my decision."