Appleton, the third Rovers manager to be moved on this season, became the pawn in a power struggle between managing director Derek Shaw, who hired him, and global adviser Shebby Singh, whom Appleton believes wanted him out because Singh has an eye on a semi-managerial role with the first team. Singh, who had been absent from the club since Shaw successfully lobbied the club's Indian owners, Venky's, to hire Appleton, has recently returned, having taken legal advice which reinforces his authority at Ewood Park, according to several sources. He appears to have declared Appleton's appointment by Shaw to be legally invalid. Singh did not respond to The Independent's inquiries.