Blackburn Rovers: Kevin Gallacher surprised by Gary Bowyer sacking

Gary Bowyer won just 41 of his 118 games in charge of Blackburn Rovers

Former Blackburn striker Kevin Gallacher says he is surprised by Gary Bowyer's sacking but feels he endured 'mixed' fortunes while in charge.

Bowyer and his four assistants were dismissed on Tuesday with the Championship club 16th in the table.

"I like what Gary's done," Gallacher told BBC Radio Lancashire. "He has been part of the football club for years.

"But he was getting bits right and then it was falling apart, it would get a bit better and then fall apart again."

After two spells as caretaker manager while reserve-team boss at Ewood Park, Bowyer was appointed full-time in May 2013.

The 44-year-old took over from Steve Kean during a testing time for the club with many fans unhappy at the way Rovers were being run.

Bowyer had also been unable to buy players since December 2014 because the club breached the Football League's financial fair play rules.

Gallacher believes any manager would have struggled in that environment.

Kevin Gallacher played for Blackburn between 1993 and 1999

"It was a surprise but it was a bit of a mix from Gary, he came in at the club at the one of the worst times," he said.

"I don't think even an experienced manager could have done better, having to sell players, bringing money in, get players off high wages and then put them on the park."

Gallacher said he was keen to see a boss like Tim Sherwood or Paul Lambert come in and take charge of the young side.

Former Manchester United and Everton boss David Moyes, recently sacked as Real Sociedad boss, was also spotted at Ewood Park during Blackburn's league match against Burnley on 24 October.

"Moyes knows the managing director very well, so from that point of view there is a very close link there," Gallacher added.

"I have seen what Tim Sherwood tried to do at Tottenham and Aston Villa and either he or possibly Paul Lambert, who are vibrant managers and can help the young players, would be my choice.

"If you stifle a young squad it can destroy them and for a side that is full of attacking qualities not defensive ones, we have been defending a lot.

"If we can let them go and express themselves in that final third I can't see anyone better than Blackburn."