BLACKBURN Rovers have begun the search for a new academy manager after confirming the departure of Phil Cannon.

Cannon had been in charge of Rovers’ youth set-up since September 2009 after leaving Derby County, where he had held a similar position.

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Before that he was head of academy recruitment at Everton and a youth development officer at Swindon Town.

Rovers told the Lancashire Telegraph last month that Cannon was ‘taking some time off for personal reasons’ after speculation that he had left his position as head of the academy, which holds Category One status under the Premier League’s Elite Player Performance Plan.

But yesterday the club confirmed it had reached an agreement with him to leave and wished him the best for the future.

Cannon said: “I would like to thank all the staff for their hard work and commitment over the last five years, during which time the academy achieved Category One status, a great achievement by all concerned.

“I would also like to thank the owners for their support in providing the necessary finance and infrastructure.

“Finally I wish Blackburn Rovers all the very best for the future.”