Fulham want cash deal for Davis

Rangers will no longer be able to use Daniel Cousin to part-finance the signing of Fulham's Steven Davis.

The agent for Davis, Rob Segal, claims the London club have ended their interest in the powerful Gabon striker.

The effect on Rangers is that they must now table a cash-only offer for the Northern Irishman to keep him at Ibrox.

Davis arrived from Craven Cottage on loan in January and is interested in a permanent move north, but could opt to fight for regular football at Fulham.

Segal said: "There is a certain amount of urgency now because I think Rangers are back in training in a few weeks and Steven definitely wants it concluded.

"The clubs are in conversation to see if they can come to an agreement. Hopefully we are heading in the right direction."

The midfielder had a successful four months at the end of last season and produced some excellent performances in Rangers' Uefa Cup run, particularly against Sporting Lisbon in the quarter-final second-leg tie.

His tenacity, stamina and clever use of the ball will have impressed Walter Smith.

Now the Rangers manager must decide if he can afford to spend a large chunk of his transfer budget on a single player.

Smith's decision would be aided, of course, if the Ibrox club could find another team interested in Cousin, who has made it clear his desire to play in the Premier League in England.


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Everton announce pre-season plans Everton announce pre-season plans

Everton will kick off their pre-season programme with an away game at one of manager David Moyes' old clubs Cambridge United on 19 July.

They will then face another, Preston, at Deepdale on 22 July, and Nottingham Forest at the City Ground on 25 July.

The highlight will be the two games in America against Chicago Fire (30 July) and Colorado Rapids (3 August).

Everton will play their final warm-up match against Dutch champions PSV Eindhoven at Goodison Park on 9 August.

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Tottenham complete Giovani deal

Tottenham have completed the signing of Mexico international Giovani Dos Santos from Barcelona for an initial £4.7m.

That fee could rise to £8.6m depending on appearances and Giovani, 19, who has signed a five-year deal, said: "It's a dream to come to a big club like Spurs.

"I came here because of the passion of the fans, the size of the club and I can see us growing in the future."

Manager Juande Ramos added: "If Giovani progresses as we hope, he will be a terrific player. I'm delighted."

Barcelona have retained the right to 20% of any fee should the 19-year-old move on from Spurs in the first two years of his spell with the club, and they will get 10% of any fee if he is sold later in his contract.

But Ramos envisages the 19-year-old settling at White Hart Lane, saying: "This is a young player with a lot of potential, whom I have watched for some time.

For us it is an exciting signing because he has excellent quality, he operates well in different positions and, above all, is technically excellent."

Sporting Director Damien Comolli added: "Giovani possesses a great combination of physical power and explosivity, along with fine technical skills. He is someone who can create and score goals.

"He is young but not without experience and will be a great asset for the club. The fact we have a Spanish speaking coaching staff, as well as Gilberto, will help him adapt, settle quickly and I believe he has the skills to be successful in England."

Giovani joined Barcelona in 2002 and came through the youth ranks at the Nou Camp.

He broke into the first-team under former boss Frank Rijkaard last season and made 16 starts in all competitions and came on as a substitute 22 times in the campaign.

He also scored a hat-trick in the final league game of the season as Barca beat Murcia 5-3.

The winger, who can also play up front or behind a main striker, helped Mexico to win the World under-17 championship in Peru in 2005.

He is regarded as a promising talent but appears to have been allowed to leave by the Nou Camp outfit as they also have youngsters Lionel Messi and Bojan Krkic in their ranks.

South American football reporter Tim Vickery told BBC Sport: "He is the son of Brazil international Zizinho, but he plays for Mexico - and masterminded the 3-0 win over Brazil in the final of the 2005 World Under-17 Cup.

"He is a slight figure with a terrific burst of acceleration and he has a superb left foot."

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Oakwell to host Man City Uefa tie

Uefa have confirmed that Manchester City will play the home leg of the first qualifying round of the Uefa Cup at Barnsley's Oakwell ground.

City needed an alternative venue because of the time required for the City of Manchester Stadium pitch to recover from this summer's events.

The first leg will be Mark Hughes' first competitive game in charge.

The home leg of the first qualifying round will take place on either 16/17 or 30/31 July.

The draw takes place on 1 July.

Barnsley boss Simon Davey, who led his side to within two games of Europe when they reached last season's FA Cup semi-finals, told the club website:

It's a fantastic honour for the club to host this game.

"It promises to be a great night of European football and should give us something to aspire to in the years to come. It's a great coup and, who knows, maybe we can take this club into its own European adventure one day."

South Yorkshire Police have said they have no objection to the match being staged at the 23,000-seater stadium.

Hughes' side were originally meant to play at Preston's Deepdale ground before the police objected.

The Premier League club, who qualified for Europe via the fair play table, have been looking for an alternative venue after the club's ground staff warned the board that the pitch would not be ready to hold a match so early.

Eastlands will spend the summer hosting concerts, boxing matches and various other events and the pitch will need time to recover in order to cope with the rigours of a full season of top-flight football.

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Mathias delighted at Rovers move

Ray Mathias thinks his time has come after being appointed as assistant manager to Paul Ince at Blackburn.

The 61-year-old has worked under Ince at Macclesfield Town and MK Dons.

"Throughout your career you strive to get to the top. It's been a long time in coming but eventually you get there," he told BBC Radio Lancashire.

"Our last two seasons [in League Two] have been unbelievable in terms of what we have had to do and what we've managed to achieve."

Ince and Mathias saved Macclesfield from relegation from League Two after they had looked doomed in 2006/07 and led MK Dons to the League Two and Johnstone's Paint Trophy double.

Mathias said: "When we went to Macclesfield, to go there and be 13 points behind everybody else, having not won a game, and then to stay up was a great achievement.

"We had a great time at Milton Keynes also winning the league and the Johnstone's Paint Trophy. We're very pleased with that and delighted to be going to Blackburn."

Mathias spent his entire career as a player with Tranmere Rovers and has had spells in charge of Wigan (twice), Tranmere and Chester as a caretaker manager and he is keen to stress that Ince's management style is not similar to how he played.

"I think people expected him to go in, with the type of player he was and whip everybody in to shape to do their best for the football club but it's not the case," he said.

"Paul is sensible and knows how to treat players well. He is very diplomatic and very honest.

"He hates looking back and hates looking forward. He lives for today. He never has any airs and graces about anything.

"He'll go about his job as he always does. He is very professional and he expects everyone around him to be exactly the same.

He added: "Paul adjusted well to the job he had to do with Macclesfield and it was the same at MK Dons.

"The players used to go to the local cafe at Macclesfield to get beans on toast, a pie or whatever.

"Then the diet came in and it was exactly the same at MK Dons, where we had a sports scientist."

Club 'devastated' at player death

Sunderland Football Club has paid tribute to former goalkeeper Tim Carter who was found dead last week.

The body of the ex-Black Cats player was discovered in bushes by a passer-by in Manchester on Thursday.

Police said they believed there were no suspicious circumstances and were not looking for anyone else in connection with the 40-year-old's death.

Sunderland chairman Niall Quinn said everyone at the club was devastated at hearing the news.

Mr Carter, who was recently appointed as Sunderland's academy goalkeeping coach, was reported missing from his home in Durham early on Thursday morning.

'Mr Nice Guy'

Mr Quinn said: "Everyone at this club is devastated since we learned of the passing of Tim last week.

"I had known Tim since our youth team days together in London and formed a stronger bond with him in my playing days at Sunderland and more recently in my present role.

"He was Mr Nice Guy around here with time for everyone. Please God, we hope he finds peace in his time now."

In a statement, Mr Carter's family said: "The family wishes to thank all supporters for their messages of sympathy and condolences at this very difficult time."

Mr Carter played 50 games for the Premiership club between 1987 and 1992.

He left two children aged four and eight and his wife, Gina.

His funeral is expected to take place next week.

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Pompey's £9m Crouch bid rejected

Liverpool have rejected a bid for striker Peter Crouch from Portsmouth, BBC Radio Merseyside understands.

Neither club are prepared to comment on the reports but the offer is believed to have been in the region of £9m.

The 27-year-old played under Pompey boss Harry Redknapp at Southampton before he moved to Merseyside for £7m in the summer of 2005.

Liverpool boss Rafael Benitez has hinted he would consider offers for Crouch in the region of £15m.

"I'd love to bring Crouchie back here," Redknapp told Portsmouth News.

"We are trying to do deals to bring in players and chief executive Peter Storrie is working on trying to get things done.

"But the fee seems a bit too high, and at the end of the day it comes down to the price."

The England international has scored 40 goals in 135 appearances for the Anfield side but has struggled to hold down a regular first-team place last season.

Crouch was relegated behind Fernando Torres, who scored 33 goals for the Reds after signing from Atletico Madrid last summer.

But Crouch, who has a year left on his current deal with the Anfield club, still managed to net 11 goals as he was mainly used as a substitute by Benitez.

Crouch started his career as a trainee at Tottenham before moves to QPR, Portsmouth, Aston Villa, Norwich, Southampton and Liverpool.

Knight hopes for first-team spot

Aston Villa defender Zat Knight says he is determined to force his way back into the side next season.

The 28-year-old was a regular in the last campaign before losing his place when Curtis Davies arrived in January.

But with Davies out with an Achilles injury, Knight knows he has the chance to impress boss Martin O'Neill again.

"Curtis will be breathing down my neck when he's back. The manager might bring in reinforcements but hopefully I will get the nod," he told the club website.

Solihull-born Knight joined Villa for £3.5m from Fulham in August 2007 and scored his first goal for the club in the win over Chelsea in September.

But he accepts that competition for places at the back was fierce.

"Before I signed, the manager asked me if I was up for the challenge because, at the time, he had three centre-halves and wanted to bring in Curtis.

"But that's what I want. I'm confident in my ability and I have to keep on my toes because if I have a bad game someone else will be given the opportunity."

With Davies not likely to return to action until the autumn, England cap Knight and Martin Laursen are Villa's only two senior centre-backs.

And Knight is looking forward to playing with his defensive colleague again.

"I thought I built a good relationship with Martin last season and I think we compliment each other and, defensively, we are quite strong."

Pulis ready to make new signings

Stoke City boss Tony Pulis has identified his transfer targets and is ready to make new signings.

Pulis returned to work on Monday and told BBC Radio Stoke: "We've had six weeks identifying targets, now we've got eight weeks to bring them in.

"A lot of work has gone in, knowing where players are and what they're about. It's now a case of waiting to see if we can make signings."

Stoke have made no signings since being promoted to the Premier League.

The Welshman has a reputation for thoroughly researching any potential new signing and believes his diligent approach will not change now he has a bigger transfer budget to work with.

"I will try and be as prudent as I can to make sure the players that we bring in will give us the best chance of competing in the best league in the world."

Pulis also admitted that the European Championships have been a hindrance in his attempts to do transfer business.

"As soon as the Euros are over then things will start to push on," said the former Gillingham boss.

Stoke begin their first season as a Premier League side away at Bolton Wanderers on 16 August.

Hull chase Meite and Olofinjana

Hull are chasing the signings of Bolton defender Abdoulaye Meite and Wolves midfielder Seyi Olofinjana, boss Phil Brown has told BBC Radio Humberside.

Meite is out of favour at the Reebok Stadium while Olofinjana has had a transfer request accepted by Wolves.

Brown said: "Meite is somebody we are interested in but suddenly the price has gone from a minimal transfer to £3m and we're not interested at that price.

"Olofinjana could play in the Premier League and I would be interested."

Brown added: "But there's been no contact and to say any more would be disrespectful as I've not talked to Mick McCarthy."

Nigerian international Olofinjana, 28, signed a four-year contract extension at Molineux last year.

Brown also revealed Plymouth have enquired about one or two of his players as part of a deal that could see Peter Halmosi move to the KC Stadium.

And he is also waiting for a reply from French defender Bernard Mendy.

Mendy has been offered a three-year deal by Hull but BBC Radio Humberside understands Sampdoria and Werder Bremen have also made offers.

Wenger welcomes Scolari challenge

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger believes new Chelsea boss Luiz Felipe Scolari will be a welcome addition to the Premier League.

Scolari replaced Avram Grant at Stamford Bridge and Wenger is relishing the challenge of facing the Brazilian.

"I like Scolari as a person. I like him as a coach and I think he has charisma. He will add something to the Premier League," said Wenger.

"You never know what will happen but he is a quality man, a quality manager."

Arsenal finished third behind Manchester United and Chelsea last season and will not face the Blues in the new Premier League season until November.

Wenger said that he has a good relationship with Scolari and believes his rival will employ the same system as previous managers Grant and Jose Mourinho.

He said: "The system he plays looks similar to the 4-5-1/4-3-3 system that Chelsea play. Whether it is down to the fact that they have similar strikers, I don't know.

"There will be a change, because every manager brings his own personality and he will buy players, but the system won't change."

Scolari was appointed while the 59-year-old was still in charge of Portugal at Euro 2008 and Chelsea have come under fire from the Portuguese Football Federation over the timing of the announcement.

Portugal have since been eliminated by Germany in the quarter-finals and Wenger questioned the timing of the appointment.

He said: "What's for sure is that it didn't give anything to the team, so it could only take something away. It didn't help Portugal.

"France had that situation in 2004 when (Jacques) Santini announced he was going to Tottenham. Once that happens all you hear is 'who will be next?' That starts in the camp as well."

Barcelona make Arshavin approach

Zenit St Petersburg say they have received an approach from Barcelona for Russia playmaker Andrei Arshavin.
The 27-year-old said earlier this week that playing for Barca, the club he supported as boy, is his "dream".
Barcelona vice president Ferran Soriano said: "We are interested in Arshavin. But it won't be easy to sign him because all teams want him now."
A Zenit St Petersburg official said: "Barcelona have made a formal proposal to Zenit for the purchase of Arshavin."
The forward has starred in Russia's run to the semi-finals at Euro 2008 and has also been linked with a move to the Premier League after asking to leave the Uefa Cup champions.
Barca now appear to head the list of suitors, but the Zenit official added: "We will only talk about this once Andrei returns to Zenit."
Barcelona say they have been monitoring Arshavin since earlier this year.

"Our interest isn't sudden since we have been following him with discretion for a few months now," said Soriano, who added that the Spanish giants had first noticed him in April when he played against German side Bayer Leverkusen in the Uefa Cup.
"We were under the impression that he played in midfield, but now we have seen that in big games, with his national team at the Euro, that he plays on the flank," Soriano told Mundo Deportivo.
"That's dispelled any doubt and this is the profile of a player we would like."
On Wednesday, Arshavin said: "Barcelona are my dream, I never thought I would have a genuine chance to play for the club.
"I have supported Barcelona all my life, let's see how the situation unfolds. For now I can't say anything for sure."
Arshavin had previously told BBC Radio 5 Live of his admiration for England's top level.

I see English games on TV - it's the best league in the world," he said.
"I would like to change club. It's not a big difference between England and Spain. It's another level for me."
Zenit coach Dick Advocaat is already resigned to losing his star player.
"I can understand that he wants to play in Europe," Advocaat told BBC Radio 5 Live.
"I think he has some clubs in his mind, some in England and others in Spain, because they are the only two countries he would like to play in.
"If you lose one of your main players you don't like it as a coach but you have to be realistic."
Arshavin was suspended for Russia's opening two games at Euro 2008, but his return has propelled Guus Hiddink's side to a semi-final meeting with Spain, the team that beat them 4-1 in their first group game.

Liverpool to improve Barry offer

Liverpool will make an improved offer to sign Aston Villa captain Gareth Barry after having a second bid - believed to be £13m - turned down.

BBC Sport understands boss Rafael Benitez is poised to go back to Villa in a renewed attempt to bring the acrimonious saga to a conclusion.

The £18m-rated 27-year-old has told Villa he wants to sign for Liverpool.

Liverpool hope to sell Xabi Alonso to Juventus to help fund the deal, but have yet to receive a serious offer.

Villa had received two offers from Liverpool for Barry, but boss Martin O'Neill told BBC Sport their latest bid had been turned down, forcing Benitez to go back again in another attempt to finally sign his top summer transfer target.

"The offer that Liverpool have made is just not acceptable," O'Neill told the BBC.

"It might be difficult [to keep hold of him]. He said he would fancy going to Liverpool and that's a big setback."

O'Neill has been critical of Liverpool's pursuit of Barry, who captained England for the first time and scored his first international goal during the recent friendly against Trinidad and Tobago.

Liverpool are keen to partner Barry in midfield with his England colleague Steven Gerrard and have declared their interest publicly, much to O'Neill's fury.

"It's very frustrating," said O'Neill. "We finished sixth last year and he was a major part of that.

"He's been a splendid player for us for some considerable time and we want to try and improve because the club are capable of doing that.

"But if Manchester United are struggling to keep hold of Ronaldo then the rest of us are in a bit of trouble.

"It's difficult but if we have to go on without Gareth Barry then we'll still have a go."

Villa are said to be holding out for at least £18m, which could pose a problem for Benitez.

The Anfield boss has admitted he is expecting to have a reduced transfer budget as a result of the feud between American owners Tom Hicks and George Gillett.

"If we had a lot of money to spend it would obviously be better," Benitez said on the club website. "But if we don't, it doesn't matter.

"It is not about buying the most expensive players, it is about buying the right players and we can sell some players to get the others we need. We have the spine of the team and we just need others in other positions."

Liverpool pair attempt peace pact

Liverpool co-owners George Gillett and Tom Hicks are attempting to mend their broken relationship.

The American pair have been at odds in a series of rows, with Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez also involved in differences behind the scenes.

Gillett had previously described his partnership with Hicks as "unworkable".

But he told Canadian radio station Fan590: "It's fair to say communication between the Hicks's and the Gilletts has been substantially improved."

Earlier this year, it was reported that Gillett had agreed to sell his stake in the club to Dubai International Capital, the investment arm of the Dubai government.

But he refused to say whether improved relations with Hicks meant he now wished to continue his involvement with the club.

Gillett said: "Time is a healer and there were things that had happened previously. It took a while for both of us to realise that we weren't communicating very well and the huge responsibility we have to the fans to do the right thing for the club."

Liverpool fans have been divided over which side to take during the Gillett-Hicks feud, with many unhappy with both parties.

Gillett admitted to being taken aback by the passion of the club's supporters but vowed to live up to his responsibility as joint custodian at Anfield.

He said: "Soccer is the leading sport in the world and it's just shocking how popular Liverpool is. So it surprised me, but it really is an amazing responsibility.

"We've always felt that for the 40-plus years I've been around professional sport that we really hold these assets in trust for the fans and that we have an obligation to the fans."

Gillett insisted he was now concentrating on backing Benitez's attempts to improve on Liverpool's trophy-less campaign last season.

"All of us are focused on the transfer window and we want to be ready for that and we want to have adequate resources and good communication with Rafa and our hope is that we're making better progress, " he said.

"What did I think of last season's performance? I'd rather let the fans make that decision. But for a club that has a history of winning trophies, any season that you don't win one of the five or six trophies that we compete for, I suspect the fans, as well as the Hicks' and Gilletts, are disappointed.

"We have to help Rafa try and be more competitive in the chase for the Premier League."

Arsenal poised to seal Nasri deal

Marseille's France midfielder Samir Nasri says he has agreed a four-year contract with Arsenal.

The 20-year-old announced the move on his personal website, but Arsenal have yet to confirm a reported £15.8m deal.

Nasri's agent Jean-Pierre Bernes also said the player's announcement was "premature" and that discussions were ongoing between the two clubs.

Nasri made just two outings as a substitute at Euro 2008 as France were eliminated at the group stages.

He has spent the last four seasons with Marseille and came to prominence in France's Under-17 European Championship side in 2004.

Nasri, who has been dubbed the new Zinedine Zidane and will be 21 on 26 June, joined Marseille as a nine-year-old and made his league debut during the 2004-2005 season.

He can play on either wing or through the centre and won the French first division's young player of the year award, and was voted Marseille's player of the year by fans, at the end of the 2006/2007 campaign.

Last season he scored six goals in 30 games for the French outfit, his final strike in a 4-3 win over Strasbourg helping secure Marseille's berth in next season's Champions League.

Nasri had appeared at various youth international levels for France before winning the first of seven senior caps in 2007.

Speaking about the player earlier this month, Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger said: "His whole future is ahead of him and he has (quite) a margin for progressing further.

"He has, in any case, the qualities needed to assert himself at the highest level."

Nasri could be a replacement for Alexander Hleb, whose future remains uncertain after he held talks over a possible move to Barcelona.

Wenger has already lost midfielder Mathieu Flamini, who joined AC Milan on a free transfer, while striker Emmanuel Adebayor remains a target for the Italian giants.

Ronaldo urged to stay by Queiroz

Manchester United assistant manager Carlos Queiroz has urged his countryman Cristiano Ronaldo not to leave for Real Madrid.

The Portuguese winger, 23, hopes to play for Real but has yet to inform United, who insist he is not for sale.

"Manchester United know how to surround Cristiano with all the affection and attention he deserves," said Queiroz.

Queiroz, a former manager of Real, is said to have become an influential figure in Ronaldo's life.

And the 55-year-old has been linked to the job of Portugal head coach following the departure of Luiz Felipe Scolari to Chelsea.
Real president Ramon Calderon said on Monday they will only open talks with Ronaldo "once his club accept to sell him".

"Right now he's a United player - we'll not interfere or create any problem," Calderon added.

Ronaldo said after Portugal's exit from Euro 2008 that he needed an operation on a nagging foot injury, but a decision on surgery will also now be delayed until his return from a three-week holiday.

United have always insisted they would not listen to any offers for the Portugal winger, but Ronaldo's heart seems set on a move to La Liga.

The European champions reported Real to Fifa over their public courtship of the player, although the world governing body decided to take no formal action.

Ronaldo's possible transfer fee has been put at between £50m and £80m and Real coach Bernd Schuster has urged Calderon to "pay what is necessary" to bring him to the Bernabeu.

"What is most important is to win the Champions League and he can help us achieve that," Schuster said.

After Portugal's exit from Euro 2008, Ronaldo signalled his intention to "take advantage of a great opportunity" by joining the Spanish champions.

"Everybody knows what I want but things don't only depend on me," he said. "I am not the person who decides but I hope to complete my dream."

Ronaldo said he had made the decision to leave United for Real before the Champions League final and revealed former Portugal coach Scolari advised him to make the move.

"It's a great opportunity and, as Scolari says, that train passes by only once and we have to take advantage of it," Ronaldo said.

Ronaldo has insisted he is not worried about upsetting United manager Ferguson by his desire to move to Madrid.

"It is my opinion," added Ronaldo. "That is why I don't mind if people get upset. It is my decision. It is what I want."

The midfielder was in scintillating form throughout last season, scoring 42 goals as United clinched a Premier League and Champions League double.

Blackburn appoint Ince as manager

Paul Ince has become the first black English manager in the Premier League after he was appointed Blackburn boss.

Ince, who has been given a three-year deal, was Rovers' number one target after Mark Hughes left Ewood Park.
In his first season with MK Dons, Ince, 40, got them to the League Two title and the Johnstone's Paint Trophy.
Frenchman Jean Tigana with Fulham and Ruud Gullit with Chelsea and Newcastle are the only other two black managers to have managed in the Premier League.

Last week the Premier League gave Rovers dispensation over Ince's failure to hold a Uefa Pro Licence.
The former West Ham, Manchester United, Inter Milan, Liverpool and England midfielder will be allowed two years to earn his licence.
In order to be a football manager in the top divisions of Spain, Italy, Germany and France, coaches must have the Uefa Pro Licence qualification.
The licence requires 240 hours of study and usually takes a year to gain.

But in the past in England, special dispensations have been given to the likes of Middlesbrough manager Gareth Southgate, former Chelsea manager Avram Grant and ex-Southampton boss Steve Wigley.
The League Managers' Association chief executive Richard Bevan had insisted he would not lobby against Ince's appointment.
Former England manager Steve McClaren, ex-Newcastle boss Sam Allardyce and former Getafe coach Michael Laudrup had all been linked with the Rovers post.

Ince moved to the Dons in June 2007 after keeping Macclesfield in the Football League.
His managerial achievements attracted the interest of Leicester City, who made an official approach to Milton Keynes for Ince's services earlier this month.
Ince is the latest former Manchester United star who played under Sir Alex Ferguson to manage in the Premier League.
Hughes is now at Manchester City, Steve Bruce at Wigan, while Roy Keane is Sunderland's boss.
Former Blackburn striker Kevin Gallacher told BBC Radio Lancashire that Rovers targeted Ince because "they were looking for someone young, hungry, enthusiastic and with a big pull.
"Paul knew that he wanted to come, he's got the hunger and desire in his belly to be a good manager.
"He showed that at Macclesfield by how he managed to keep them up, and he brought a couple of trophies to MK Dons.
"So, it's a good achievement at a low level and hopefully he can bring some of that luck with him to Blackburn."
Gallacher conceded that Hughes would be "a hard act to follow" at Ewood Park.
But he added: "If Paul can keep the ship floating, keep the good players at the club, continue with the good work Mark has done and add his little bit in, Blackburn can only get stronger."