KENNY DALGLISH has parted company with Blackburn Rovers as director of football by mutual consent. Chairman Robert Coar announced the decision to a stunned press conference after Rovers' 1-0 defeat at Villa Park last night.

Dalglish's departure ends a five year association with the Ewood Park club, the highlight of which was leading Blackburn, as manager, to the Premier League title in 1995.

Dalglish then left the managing of the side to Ray Harford and has taken a less prominent role in the last 15 months.

Coar said: "Kenny Dalglish and Blackburn Rovers have decided that he will be leaving by mutual consent.

"We appreciate what he has done for Blackburn. He has had a change in role during the past year, which was of his choosing. It is a situation that has just run its course. He has left by mutual agreement and we thank him for what he has done and we wish him well.

"We discussed the situation. It wasn't a particularly long conversation. It was `thanks' on both sides and `let's move on'.

"As regards whether he has any other job lined up, I think only Kenny can answer that. I didn't particularly ask him about that. But I would like to place on record our thanks for what he has done.

"Kenny and Ray Harford were a pair. Their record speaks for itself. Before Kenny left we were promoted and then came fourth, second, first and seventh. Not many teams have a better average than that over that period.

"We would like to thank Kenny for the part he has played in helping Blackburn Rovers to reach the heights of today."

Manager Harford said: "I've always had an excellent relationship with Kenny and I've a lot to thank him for. I'm very grateful. We came as a package and those four years have been among the best of my life without any doubt."

Coar said that Rovers would not be seeking a replacement for Dalglish, currently on holiday in Spain, and he gave a vote of confidence to Harford. He said: "Ray is the manager of Blackburn. He is doing a splendid job and will continue to do so."