Brian Kidd: I'm still friends with everyone at Utd

The former United assistant boss said there would be "no two-tier system" with star names and lesser lights expected to pull together for the good of the club.

Martin Edwards: Kidd was made a very good offer to stay

He insisted that the chance to develop his career in football management had been the sole reason for his decision to leave United after eight years as Alex Ferguson's number two.

Kidd described United as a "magnificent institution" but said: "That's a chapter in my life which is now firmly closed."

Money not an issue

He was introduced to the media before Blackburn's home match against Charlton.

"It is my intention to devote my full energies and experience to ensuring that the club climbs away from its present position at the foot of the Premiership table," he vowed.

Kidd said he had not needed any financial inducement to accept the Rovers challenge.

Kidd: "My departure was entirely amicable"

"There was no salary increase offer to me and nor was there any sought. Money was not the issue for me. I was not offered a salary increase and I didn't seek one."

His only previous experience as a number one was at Barrow and Preston - his short stint with the latter ending in 1986 - and Kidd feared the chance of a top-level manager's job might not come round again.

"It's been well-documented that I'm 50 next summer. I think you can leave it too late, and I didn't want to die wondering," he said.

A tough decision to leave United

Kidd admitted it had been a wrench to leave Old Trafford, saying: "It was emotional when I went to say goodbye to the players. They've been a great part of my life. The apprenticeship I've served under Alex has been unbelieveable."

Jimmy Armfield gives his reaction to Kidd's news conference

He added: "United have my best wishes for success in Europe next week and I sincerely hope they go on to win the European Cup."

One of his first tasks will be to persuade Blackburn captain Tim Sherwood and striker Chris Sutton to pledge their futures to the club.

Money is available for new players but Kidd wants to have a look at the existing staff before making any changes.