STEVE Kean was still clinging to his job last night as the decision to relieve him of his managerial duties appeared to be put on hold.

The Rovers boss was believed to have been facing the sack on Monday morning but a late stay of execution from club owner Anuradha Desai has left the Ewood Park outfit in limbo.

The Lancashire Telegraph understands the owners were ready to sack Kean after lengthy talks between themselves over the weekend, with the offer of a new role at the club an option, but a last-minute phone call yesterday delayed the announcement.

Sources close to the owners remain adamant Kean’s time as Rovers boss is coming to an end but fear it could be a few weeks before a change is finally executed.

It is unknown what changed Desai’s mind at the last minute or whether Kean himself has spoken to the owners since yesterday morning.

The search for a new manager is understood to be continuing as co owners Balaji and Venkatesh Rao plan for a future without Kean in the hot seat.

Spurs coach and Rovers’ former Premier League winning skipper Tim Sherwood is understood to be high up in Venky’s thoughts, with global advisor Shebby Singh spotted at White Hart Lane on Sunday.

Singh declined to comment when approached by the Lancashire Telegraph yesterday, as did other club officials, with people inside the club bewildered by the latest happenings.

Kean himself took training at Brockhall yesterday as he continues to fight for his future and could well still be in charge for Saturday’s trip to Charlton and the game at Nottingham Forest the following Wednesday.

Players and staff remain in the dark as Kean himself stayed tight lipped on his future.

Rovers fans have reacted angrily to the latest uncertainty being shown by their owners, having already voted with their feet at the start of this season.

Crowds have been significantly down at Ewood Park this campaign, despite Rovers’ lofty position towards the top of the Championship, with supporters venting their frustration vocally during matches.

People within Ewood fear the atmosphere around the club will only got worse for as long Kean remains at the helm, having seen him survive a disastrous management tenure.

Kean has been on the brink of the axe several times before during his Rovers’ managerial career but each time has been granted a late reprieve by club matriarch Desai.

Meanwhile, Rovers’ Championship home game against Cardiff has been brought forward to Friday December 7, kick off 7.45pm, for television.