CHRIS Samba admits Ewood Park will feel ‘a little empty’ without John Williams as the defender looks forward to the challenge of achieving his ambitions with Blackburn Rovers.

Williams’ final real act as chairman was putting the final touches to Samba’s much-talked about extended contract earlier this week, after ending his tenure on Wednesday.

Samba said: “He was a big fan of the club before he became a big man at the club so it’s very sad for us.

"Every time we have a problem, we speak to John. Every time we have something in our heart, we can speak to John.

“But he has gone and it will be a bit empty without him around. I've been here such a long time and its difficult to imagine him not at the club, going forward without him. But he’s a big fan so I’m sure he will still be around.

“He was involved in my contract so that’s why it’s strange that one day he was doing that and now he’s gone. I had no idea he was going. Its quite sad for the club that we lose a big man, a big figure at the club.”

Ahead of today’s visit to Wigan, Samba is looking forward to the future under the new owners after admitting he was ‘close’ to leaving the club following Sam Allardyce’s sacking in December.

Samba said: “It’s been hard because things were going on off the pitch and it was difficult to concentrate on the pitch, but I tried to concentrate and play. We got a couple of wins and now it’s sorted, I’m happy.

“I spoke to the chairlady, the owners, Steve Kean and they definitely want to go to the direction I want to go.

“It’s a good challenge for myself and the club.

“The direction is to be a club that can compete for Europe each year. We have to go slowly. This year is more about progress and finish high as we can.”