TOM Finn will leave a ‘lasting legacy’ at Blackburn Rovers after yesterday announcing he was stepping down as managing director to bring an end to his 15-year Ewood Park career.

Manager Steve Kean and midfielder David Dunn led the tributes to the man who was heavily involved in the birth of Rovers’ academy, insisting his decade and a half at the club will never be forgotten.

Finn’s departure comes just three months after chairman John Williams ended his own 14-year Rovers reign as a new era under Venky’s control continues to bring about change around Ewood Park.

New deputy chief executive Paul Hunt will start in his role this week, after joining from Leicester City, while sources close to the owners have suggested another senior appointment could be imminent.

With the likes of academy products Martin Olsson, Junior Hoilett, Phil Jones and Grant Hanley all breaking into the first team, the club’s academy has become one of the best in the country – with Finn getting a lot of the credit for its introduction back in the 1990s.

Boss Kean said: “I have always shared a good relationship with him and I shared the same desire as he did to see the academy players progress from young lads all the way to the first team.

“I know Tom was fully committed in bringing the young players through and played a big role in setting up the academy and hopefully he can see all his early efforts coming to fruition now.

“It takes so long from setting up an academy to seeing the real rewards but that is something we are seeing now and Tom Finn has played a big part in that. I would like to thank him and wish him the best for the future.”

Rovers midfielder Dunn has echoed his manager’s sentiments having been at the club for a substantial part of Finn’s tenure.

Dunn said: “Tom was at the club when I first signed as a professional. Both he and John Williams carried the club through the last decade and their efforts will always be remembered.

“I know Tom’s big thing was the academy and he played a big part in bringing Rob Kelly and Bobby Downes to the club and putting the academy in place.

“If it had not been for Tom maybe all the young players we are seeing break into the first team would not be here. It is important for Tom to know that.

“He was also just a really nice guy and I wish him all the best for the future.”

Finn, who was secretary at Wolves, initially filled the same role at Rovers before becoming managing director.

As well as playing a big role in the setting up the academy, he has worked closely with the local community to ensure strong links between Rovers and the supporters.

Finn said: “While sad to be moving on, I believe the time is right for me and the club. The owners are putting in place their plans for how the club is to operate going forward, such as the appointment of Paul Hunt who joins the club this week.

“I have told Paul that he is joining a special football club that is an integral part of its local community.”

Rovers legend Bryan Douglas and former skipper Garry Flitcroft joined those paying tribute to Finn.

Douglas said: “He was one of the best signings Rovers have ever mad. Whoever steps in to run the club will have big shoes to fill.”

Flitcroft added: “Tom is a great guy. This will be a massive loss for the football club.”

Former chairman John Williams said: “Tom was a first class colleague and I wish him all the best for the future.”