Blackburn sack Hunt after leak

On Tuesday, hours after Blackburn's relegation from the Premier League, Sporting Intelligence published a letter, written by Hunt to the club's owners Venky's in December.

Hunt called for Kean's dismissal and for changes in the club's management structure.

Venky's ignored his requests, and have reacted to the letter's publication by dismissing Hunt, although Sporting Intelligence's Nick Harris claims the leak did not come from him.

Speaking at a press conference on Wednesday lunchtime, Kean said: "I am aware of the speculation but I can't, at this moment, confirm it.

"That is all I want to say on that matter. I just want to talk about the Chelsea game."

Hunt wrote in his letter: "Publicly I have been asked to support the manager and I always have as I personally like Steve. I have supported him from the start and have been desperate for him to do well. However, I am now of the opinion that it isn't working and he is ready to go."

The letter continued: "He has lost the crowd and as a result of this evening's game, (against Bolton in December) has lost the dressing room as well - the players no longer want to play for him. It is a shame and disappointing but we must act now to save the club."

In his 2,500-word letter, Hunt also appealed to the seemingly distant Indian owners to allow officials based at Ewood Park greater authority to make executive decisions.

He also warned about growing financial difficulties and the high probability of relegation from the Barclays Premier League - a fear that came true this week after Rovers were beaten by Wigan. That defeat saw fans demonstrate their feelings towards Kean with a protest on the pitch.

Hunt detailed a 10-point plan to turn around the direction of the struggling club, which has fallen into decline since the Venky's takeover of November 2010.