Blackburn sack manager Appleton

Championship strugglers Blackburn have sacked boss Michael Appleton after 15 games and 67 days at Ewood Park. He is the third manager to leave the club this season following the departures of Steve Kean in September and Henning Berg in December. Appleton, who left Blackpool for the Rovers' job in January, is replaced by reserve-team coach Gary Bowyer for the remainder of the season. "I am disappointed to be leaving Blackburn Rovers," said Appleton. The 37-year-old, who began the ason at Portsmouth before his short-lived stints at Blackpool and Blackburn, added: "I would like to thank the players, and wish them all the best for the rest of the season. "I would also like to say thanks to the fans who have made me feel so welcome over the past few months."