Former Blackburn Rovers defender Michael Gray believes that the club have become a "laughing stock" and a "joke".

Rovers sacked boss Michael Appleton earlier this week and are now searching for their fourth manager this season, following the departures of Steve Kean and Henning Berg earlier in the campaign.

"The place has become a laughing stock," said Gray on talkSPORT. "It's become a joke.

"They need a strong character, like a Sam Allardyce, who was wrongly sacked, to take sole control and tell Venky's not to get involved. This Shebby Singh, whoever he is, needs to go."

Rovers are currently 18th in the Championship just four points clear of the relegation zone.