Sam Backed By Toon Connection!
"He is a good friend of mine, was once a colleague, but most of all he is an exceptional manager."He is also a good guy, and the Premier League is a better place for him being back.
"He was a victim of circumstance a little bit.
"First and foremost, he wasn't the owner (Mike Ashley)'s appointment. After he came in the club changed ownership.
"He still made the best start to a season Newcastle had had for 10 years, and they were pushing towards the European places.
"But then he hit a difficult part of the season where there were a few injuries, a few results didn't go their way, and bang, he was gone.
"But in the short time I worked with him he was exceptional. To Blackburn, he will bring discipline, strength of character and he will get them organised and fit.
"Then there is his knowledge of working in the Premier League and being able to grind out results on little or no money.
"I don't know if Blackburn have money, but if they haven't then I'm sure he'll still be able to pull a few rabbits out of the hat.
"His experience of working in the Premier League will stand Blackburn in good stead."