Beleaguered Blackburn manager Steve Kean has revealed that a bodyguard accompanies him at all times following a vitriolic campaign to have him sacked as Rovers boss.

Kean, a controversial appointment following the dismissal of Sam Allardyce in 2010, has faced repeated calls from fans to resign this season as Rovers struggle near the foot of the table.

The 44-year-old Scot told The Times on Friday that he now has a personal security detail as a precaution.

“I was advised that it would be in my interest to have somebody with me at all times,” said Kean, whose side faces leaders Manchester City on Saturday.

“I was at a restaurant with my wife and children a few months ago and got a text message from a friend telling me to be careful.

“There was stuff going out on Twitter from an activist group which identified the restaurant so that people could confront me.

“I showed the text to my wife and we decided to leave straightaway.

Kean said his bodyguard was a martial arts expert but admitted it was a “surreal” development in his life.

“The chap who protects me is a seventh dan in karate, but he is not big or butch or anything,” he said.

“I think the vast majority of fans are passionate, but non-violent, whether towards me or anybody else.

“I also think most of the Blackburn fans are behind me.

“It is surreal, though, I cannot deny that.”