Paul Lambert to end Blackburn Rovers tenure at season's end

LONDON - Paul Lambert will step down as manager of English second-tier side Blackburn Rovers at the end of the season, he announced on Thursday.

The 46-year-old former Scotland midfielder has decided to activate a release clause in the two-and-a-half-year contract he signed in November.

Blackburn is currently 18th in the Championship and without a win in six matches, but the club is assured of safety.

"I would like to place on record my thanks to the owners, and especially the players, staff and fans for the tremendous backing and support I have received since I arrived," Lambert said in a statement.

"It's a brilliant club, with great people, and I wish it every success in the future. For now, I remain fully focused and determined to try to win the final two games of the season, starting this Saturday against Rotherham."

Blackburn, a team which last graced the Premier League in 2012, thanked Lambert for his work at the club and said the search for a new manager would begin "with immediate effect".