IAN Miller today explained why he quit Blackburn Rovers in favour of a move to Second Division Blackpool.

The hugely popular 49-year-old has left his post at Rovers' Academy to become Colin Hendry's new first team coach at Bloomfield Road.

And Miller described the decision to leave as one of the hardest things he's ever done in football.

"It was a really difficult decision for me," said Miller, who was part of Rovers' Full Members Cup winning side of 1987 along with Hendry.

"I've spent 14 years at Blackburn as a player and a coach and the club means a great deal to me.

"I had a job at one of the best Academies in the country and I got to work with some real great people.

"Bobby Downes, Rob Kelly and Sean Kimberley have given me invaluable help and support during the last six years and the Academy is a great place to work at.

"But this opportunity came out of the blue and I just felt it was a chance to test my coaching abilities at a higher level.

"I spoke to Colin and he impressed me with his enthusiasm. He's handed me an opportunity to work with the first team and I just felt I had to take it."

Miller made a total of 283 appearances for Rovers between 1981 and 1989 and in recent years he has been a leading coach at the Academy.

Ewood Chief executive John Williams said: "Whilst we are pleased to see Colin set up in management, we are sad to see Ian leaving Rovers at this time.

"Reluctantly, we gave Ian permission to speak with Blackpool and he has agreed to join them ahead of next season.

"That said, we wish them both well in their new positions."

Rovers are now on the look-out for a new youth team coach to replace Miller ahead of the new season.