But Williams has since been impressed by the number of quality applicants who have put themselves forward to become Blackburn’s next manager.

Williams dismissed newspaper reports of a major argument with Souness and told BBC Radio Five Live: “We had a lot of daily banter which Freddy Shepherd (Newcastle chairman) and others can look forward to.”

Williams refused to identify any possible successors to Souness but added: “A lot of people have expressed interest. We’ve got a good list. A lot of people have made their expression of interest known. By the end of today that list should be complete.”

Williams admitted Rovers’ poor start to the season had led to speculation over the future of Souness at Ewood Park.

“These things are cyclical. We had four decent years with Graeme,” he said.

“When he came to the club we were in trouble in what was then the First Division. Last year was poor, particularly our home form. That leads to speculation.”

Williams conceded that Blackburn’s poor start – they currently lie second bottom with two points from four Barclays Premiership matches – had put pressure on Souness.

“We’ve not got off to the best of starts,” he added.

However, Williams pointed to the good times under the Scot which saw the club return to the top-flight and win the League Cup.

“We’ve had a good time with Graeme and when the news came on Sunday it was a shock. The Premier League is increasingly a big city set-up, Newcastle is a big city. It’s a club with a massive fan base.”