Blackburn Rovers fans today reacted with shock and sadness at the departure of manager Graeme Souness.

But some are hoping Ewood Park legend Alan Shearer could be the man to fill his shoes.

When the Evening Telegraph told him of the move, stunned Hyndburn MP and life-long Rovers fan Greg Pope said: "Knock me down with a feather!".

"I am very grateful to Graeme. He got us promoted from the old First Division and took us to Cardiff, where we won the Worthington Cup. That was great.

"But there have been one or two high profile fallings-out with players. David Dunn and Andy Cole left.

"Maybe after four years he had taken us as far as he could.

"Like most Rovers fans, I don't like Newcastle. I've never forgiven them over buying Alan Shearer nine years ago."

Coun Peter Britcliffe, leader of Hyndburn Council and a Rovers season ticket holder, said: "Graeme has done a wonderful job with Rovers. He has taken us back to the Premiership and kept us there despite the fact that we don't have the same money as some of the other clubs. He did a tremendous job.

"I feel sick to hear he is going but that is the way football is. The important thing will be to replace him to ensure Blackburn keep their position in the Premiership."

Sir Bill Taylor, former leader of Blackburn with Darwen Council, worked with Souness on numerous occasions.

He said: "As a season ticket-holder, I am very sorry to see him go. He guided us through some difficult times and the priority has to be to appoint someone who will keep us in the Premiership.

"He is a great guy and aligned himself closely to promoting the borough and getting involved in numerous events, not least celebrations of the club's achievements."

Souness also got involved with schools across the area.

Headteacher at St Bede's RC High School and Sports College in Blackburn, John Challinor, is a Newcastle United fan and sent a resounding good luck message. He said his loyalties were split given that Blackburn Rovers helped fund the school's bid to become a specialist sports college.

He said: "Seeing as Newcastle sacked the most famous manager in the country, I wish him all the luck. I'm delighted for the man."

Pupils at Pleckgate High School in Pleckgate Road were both delighted and sad. Headteacher Robin Campbell, a Preston North End fan, said: "I have heard some whinging about Rovers not doing so well but I am sure there will be pupils who will be sad to see him move."

Beryl Neale, secretary of the Blackburn with Darwen branch of the British Heart Foundation, said: "Mr Souness has been excellent, helping promote our work and raise funds too."

Souness underwent a triple heart by-pass operation in the early 1990s and has supported a variety of causes since, helping raise the profile of heart disease.

Fan Megan Berry, 36, of Nuttall Street, right outside Ewood Park, said: "It is wrong. OK they haven't been playing very well but why just decide to go somewhere else and leave us in the lurch?

"Who is going to take over - Tony Parkes? We need to get somebody who is good enough to pull the club back and get the players morale up again."

Stan Whalley, 80, is a life-long Rovers fan who now lives in Stoke-on-Trent. He said: "I am surprised, I thought he was reasonably settled.

"There were a few troubles last year having to avoid relegation but I thought he could have waited until after Saturday when we actually play Newcastle so I am surprised at the timing.

"I think most supporters were satisfied with him and he did bring some decent players to the club from time to time."

Mark Place, 38, of Cranshaw Drive, Blackburn, said: "I think he did really well for the Rovers and now that he has gone it is like starting from scratch again.

"I can't think of anybody to replace him."

Trevor Wilson, 68, a former club steward and season ticket holder of 25 years, of Lammack, said: "He has gone there for the money.

"He will have more more to spend, Newcastle have more pulling power, better gates and we are only a small town club.

"We are struggling to get gates because we are only a town of about 135,000 people. It's no surprise that he would go to Newcastle."

Rachel Mullen, of Darwen, said: "I feel he has let the fans down. I think the only person who could replace him is Alan Shearer. Get him back down here."

Vincent Shorrock, 45, from Rishton, said: "I am very shocked. He was a very good manager for the club and kept us going even when we were in Division One."

Rovers fan Les Bentley, 47, of the Preston New Road area of Blackburn, said: "I would go for Alan Shearer. I think he would make a good manager."

Phil Watson, chief executive of Blackburn with Darwen Council, thanked Souness for his efforts in promoting the borough.

The Rovers fan said: "He has worked very hard with us on a number of things."

Grahame Walker, of the South Lancs branch of the supporters' association, said: "I knew he'd go. As soon as Bobby Robson went I thought they would go for him.

"I am sad to see him go. I was happy with him. Some of his buys weren't very good but on the whole he was good.

"Perhaps we could swap for Bobby Robson?"