Saunders to coach Blackburn

Dean Saunders (right) scored 22 goals for Wales

Blackburn Rovers have confirmed that Dean Saunders has been appointed as the club's new first team coach.

Saunders will help Rovers' manager Graeme Souness to prepare his Ewood Park side for the new season - including a Uefa Cup campaign.

BBC Radio Lancashire reports that Phil Boersma will now work with the reserves.

Saunders, who scored 22 goals in 75 caps for Wales, had been working as a coach to the strikers at the club and was recently linked with the vacant manager's job at Derby County.

"Hopefully I will be able to pass on some of my experience," explained Saunders.

"I came to Blackburn as a player/coach, but have always wanted to concentrate on the coaching side.

"So this is another step forward for me."

During his career as a player Saunders played for several clubs including Liverpool, Benfica, Galatasaray, Derby and Aston Villa.

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