Venky's-owned Blackburn sack third manager of the season

Blackburn Rovers have sacked manager Michael Appleton after just over two months in charge, the Indian-owned English second-tier club announced on Tuesday.

Appleton becomes the third manager to leave Blackburn this season.

"Blackburn Rovers FC can confirm that Michael Appleton has been relieved of his duties as manager along with assistant manager Ashley Westwood, first team coach Darren Moore and head of senior recruitment Luke Dowling," read a statement on the club website.

Blackburn lost to Millwall in the FA Cup quarter-finals last week and were left in 18th place in the 24-team Championship, four points above the relegation zone, after a 1-1 draw with local rivals Burnley on Sunday.

Appleton only joined Blackburn in January, having left Blackpool after just 65 days at the club.

He lasted only two days longer in the Rovers job, winning four, drawing five and losing six of his 15 matches at the helm.

Blackburn, owned by Indian poultry firm Venky's, now find themselves looking for a fourth head coach this season.

Steve Kean said he was "forced to resign" in September because his position had become "untenable", while his successor, former Blackburn defender Henning Berg, lasted just 57 days before being sacked in December.