Sam Allardyce has withdrawn from the race to succeed Mark Hughes at Blackburn Rovers.

Allardyce had been in the running to land the Ewood Park job following Hughes' departure for Manchester City along with Paul Ince, Michael Laudrup and Steve McClaren.

However, the former Bolton and Newcastle manager told Sky Sports News on Friday morning that he no longer wants the job.

McClaren has now been appointed manager of Eredivisie side FC Twente, while Laudrup has met with Rovers chairman John Williams.

MK Dons boss Ince remains in pole position despite not holding the necessary qualifications to coach in the Premier League.

Ince's case has now been strengthened further with the news that Allardyce has pulled out of the running, leaving it as an apparent two-horse race for the post.

Allardyce, who had a successful eight-spell at the Reebok Stadium with Rovers' bitter rivals, has been out of work since January after being sacked by Newcastle following just under eight months in charge.

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