A NEW era swept through Ewood Park today as Mark Hughes was finally unveiled as manager of Blackburn Rovers.

Football's worst-kept secret was confirmed late last night, with the former striker and current Wales manager taking control of team affairs with immediate effect.

Fans and football pundits today welcomed the appointment, saying he was the right man to take the club forward after a difficult start to the season.

In a deal struck with the Welsh Football Association, which employs Hughes as national manager, the former Manchester United star will manage his country for their next two international games against Poland and England.

After 10 days of speculation linking Hughes with the job following Graeme Souness' departure for Newcastle United, Rovers' board finally made their move yesterday.

The WFA gave the club permission to speak to Hughes, and following talks between club chief executive John Williams and agents, a deal was confirmed.

Mr Williams said: "The great news is we've got the man who was our unanimous first choice so our patience has paid off."

Hughes' agent, Dennis Roach, said: "He feels that he's brought Wales on a long way and that it's now time for someone new to come in with a fresh face."

David Collins, the WFA's secretary general, said: "We have an agreement with Blackburn that he will manage us for the next two games."