GRAEME Souness's decision to quit Blackburn Rovers for Newcastle United was greeted with shock and surprise today.

Veteran defender Craig Short said he was 'shocked and disappointed' to hear that Souness was leaving Rovers.

But Ewood legend Simon Garner said the fans wouldn't be 'too disappointed' by Souness's departure in the wake of the club's miserable start to the season.

Souness's four year reign at Ewood Park came to a sudden end this morning.

Newcastle had asked for permission to speak to the former Liverpool and Rangers boss over the weekend and the Rovers board gave their consent - paving the way for Souness to be officially unveiled as the Magpies' new manager later today.

Souness hadn't even had time to inform the players of the move before news of his sudden departure broke.

"I'm shocked and a bit disappointed because I've enjoyed playing for him," said Short. "He gave me the best four years of my career."

Those thoughts were also echoed by former Rovers and Newcastle striker Kevin Gallacher.

"I'm shocked at the timing and the fact he has gone," said Gallacher. "He's just brought players into the club and that is usually a sign of stability.

"But when a club like Newcastle United comes calling, you would have to be Sir Alex Ferguson not to be interested.

"I know from experience what a massive club it is - arguably the biggest behind United in terms of supporter size and passion.

"The expectations of the fans there are incredible, despite such a lack of success in recent years.

"In contrast, there was doom and gloom around Blackburn and I suspect even Graeme had probably become a little disillusioned at the way things were going.

"His budget was probably bigger than Newcastle's when he arrived, but in recent years it has been slashed to the point where he was scratching around for players.

"So, from Blackburn's point of view, I really feel this could be a good thing."

Garner was also shocked by the timing of Souness's departure but Rovers' all-time record league goalscorer felt the Scot had reached the end of his shelf-life.

"I'm not knocking Souness, but I think it had gone stale for him, and I don't think the fans will be too upset at his departure."