FORMER Blackburn Rovers boss Michael Appleton has been named as the new head coach of Oxford United.

The 38-year-old has been appointed after manager Gary Waddock was sacked as part of an ownership shake-up at the League Two outfit.

It is Appleton's first job since he was sacked by Rovers in March 2013 after 67 days in the hotseat.

Meanwhile, former Rovers caretaker manager Eric Black has been appointed as a coach at Wigan Athletic.

Black was in charge at Ewood Park for six games after Steve Kean's departure in September 2012.