Ince has been in charge for just 17 Barclays Premier League matches but paid the price for a run of six successive league defeats with Rovers taking just one point from a possible 33.

The Ewood Park side are currently second from bottom and in danger of relegation forcing the board to reluctantly make a change.

A club statement said: "It is with great sadness the Board announce that Paul Ince is to leave the club. After a Board meeting yesterday it was decided to relieve Paul of his duties.

unforgiving environment

"The Board, having selected Paul back in June, were desperate for him to succeed and wanted to give him as much time as possible in the unforgiving environment of Premier League management where time is such a precious commodity."

Chairman John Williams said: "Three wins in 17 games has seen a squad, which finished seventh last season, fall to 19th position. We are currently in real danger of becoming detached from the pack.

"The survival of the club in the Premier League is paramount and our focus now is on finding a replacement who will be able to maintain our top division status. Paul will bounce back, he is a fighter and we wish him well."

Archie Knox and Ray Mathias have taken temporary charge but the club hope to have a successor in place in time for Saturday's match at home to Stoke City.