Berg’s Rovers spell ends after 57 days

BLACKBURN - Reuters

Henning Berg (R) sits alongside Blackburn’s global advisor Shebby Singh during a press conference where he was unveiled as coach in Nov 1, 2012. AP photo

Blackburn Rovers sacked Henning Berg yesterday after only 57 days and 10 games in charge, becoming the second manager to depart a foreign-owned English Championship club in the space of a few hours.

The Norwegian was axed by Blackburn’s Indian owners after a 1-0 defeat at Middlesbrough on Dec. 26, its fifth loss in six games which left the club languishing in 17th place. Under Berg, Blackburn won just once.

Berg’s dismissal follows hot on the heels of Sean O’Driscoll’s departure from Nottingham Forest with the Kuwaiti-owned former European champion sacking the Irishman late on Dec. 26, hours after it had beaten Leeds United 4-2 at home.

Fans have been venting their frustration at owners Venky’s.

Venky’s director Balaji Rao told the Times of India: “We have not been doing well and dropping points and losing matches quite often. I want to go up.”

O’Driscoll was sacked by Nottingham Forest despite the club sitting in eighth place.

“We are looking to bring in an ambitious manager with Premier League experience,” said chairman Fawaz al-Hasawi.