Updated

Blackburn says Sam Allardyce has been fired as manager of the Premier League club.

A statement released by Blackburn on Monday says Venky's Group, the club's new Indian owners, "have taken this decision as part of our wider plans and ambitions."

Allardyce's assistant, Neil McDonald, also has been fired, and current first-team coach Steve Kean has been put temporarily in charge.

Blackburn (6-8-3) is 13th among the 20 teams, five points above the relegation zone. The team has lost three of its last five matches, including a 7-1 defeat at Manchester United.

Allardyce took over at Ewood Park in 2008, having previously managed Bolton and Newcastle in England's top division.