Blackburn appoint Vignal as Under-21s coach

Blackburn Rovers have named former Liverpool and Rangers defender Gregory Vignal as the new head coach of their under-21 side.

The 44-year-old Frenchman won the UEFA Cup, UEFA Super Cup and FA Cup while playing for Liverpool under Gerard Houllier and also appeared for Portsmouth, Southampton, Birmingham City and Dundee United.

Vignal has coached within the academies at Montpellier, Marseille and Rangers as well as managing Rangers Women plus Versailles in his homeland.

He replaces Mike Sheron, who left Blackburn in September.

"To be the new under-21s head coach for Blackburn Rovers is an amazing feeling, because of the size and the history of this football club, and I believe this is one of the best academies in the country for producing top players," he told the club website.