Sam Ellis Joins Ell's Kitchen

Ellis left Burnley last season after Stan Ternent was relieved of his duties as manager when the club avoided relegation to Division Two.

Ellis had been the assistant at Turf Moor since 1998, following Ternent from Bury to Burnley.

A couple of seasons ago Ternent had a 'disagreement' with Blackwell at Bramall Lane, during half-time, when Ternent accused the then Sheffield United assistant manager of listening to the Burnley team talk.

After failing to get former Walsall manager Colin Lee, Blackwell turned to Ellis, who has previously managed Blackpool, Bury and Lincoln City.

Blackwell said: "I have known Sam for a long time and even played for him when I was a teenager. He is well respected in the game because he has been working in the First Division for a number of years and has been instrumental in Burnley's rise through the leagues. He knows what is needed at both ends of the table, has good contacts and a great deal of knowledge and understanding of what is required. I am delighted to have been able to bring him in and I am looking forward to working with him."