Steve Waggott: Blackburn Rovers chief executive leaves after seven years

Waggott’s exit from the club comes amid fan protests against his position and that of owners Venky’s during this season.

In March, a collection of Blackburn Rovers supporters groups called upon Waggott as well as head of football operations Rudy Gestede and chief operating officer, and representative of the owners, Suhail Pasha to not attend their final eight league matches.

The groups believed the trio had become a target for frustrations at how the club was being run and argued that their absence could result in a more positive environment for the team to perform in.

In response, the club welcomed the call for unity, but insisted the senior leadership team would continue to attend matches.

After a dip in form under new boss Valerien Ismael during which they went almost two months without a win, Blackburn eventually rallied at the tail end of the season.

Despite a run of four wins and two draws to close out the season, however, they narrowly missed out on a top six place on the final day.

Meanwhile, Rovers confirmed on Tuesday its women’s team would drop out of the second tier Women’s Championship next season because owners Venky’s are unwilling to meet the league’s requirements on facilities, player welfare and staffing.

It was a decision which defender Rachel Dugdale said had left the club’s players feeling “devalued” by the “lack of communication” shown.