Source: Daily_Mail
Blackburn boss Kean heaps praise on former Ewood Park chairman John Williams
Blackburn manager Steve Kean paid tribute to former chairman John Williams as he made final preparations for the team's visit to Wigan in the Barclays Premier League tomorrow.[LNB]The club announced today Williams had left after 14 years and he becomes the second high-profile departure from Ewood Park since the Venky's takeover following the sacking of Sam Allardyce in December.[LNB]In a press conference broadcast on Sky Sports News, Kean said: 'He has been here a very long time. He's done a fantastic job over the years, at times tough times financially for the club.[LNB] Out with the old: Williams leaves Rovers training ground [LNB]'He's led the club through so it's disappointing that he has decided to stand down.[LNB]'I've always had a great relationship with John, probably more when I was first-team coach I had more contact with him.[LNB]'I've not really had as much contact in the last couple of months as I did in my other job. I wish him all the best and I'm sure he would wish us all the best.'[LNB]Williams arrived at Ewood Park in 1997 as chief executive with Rovers in the doldrums, and the team were relegated to the second tier in 1998.[LNB] New Era: Rovers new Indian owners, brothers Balaji Rao (left) and Venkatesh Rao[LNB] However, fortunes turned and promotion was secured under Graeme Souness in 2000-2001 and the club then went on to win the League Cup the following season and qualify for Europe.[LNB]Although the highs of Europe were counter-balanced by flirting with the lower reaches of the league, Williams leaves the club in a far healthier position than he found it.Williams told the club's official website: 'With our new owners the Venky's Group, I have no doubt this a new dawn for the club.[LNB]'There is a new order, a new way of doing things and I believe the time is right for me now to move on.[LNB]'I would like to take this opportunity to wish the club, its owners, management, players, employees and supporters all the very best for the future,' added Williams.[LNB] Wigan v BLACKBURN: Roque Santa Cruz, Phil Jones and Gael Givet all ruled outBlackburn chairman Williams forced out after being sidelined by Venky'sKean won't rush Blackburn new boys Formica and Rochina into action [LNB] Explore more:People: John Williams, Sam Allardyce Places: Europe
