The Scot has been an unpopular figure at Ewood Park since replacing Sam Allardyce as manager in 2010.

But Kean insists he tries to maintain a normal working life despite the criticism from fans often aimed at him.

"I get here at 8am every morning, occasionally through protests," the Scot told The Times.

"Football is my life. I work with the coaches, sports scientists and players throughout the day."

"I leave at 7.30 or 8 every night, watch a couple of football games on video, and then write for an hour in my journal. I usually call my wife on the phone before going to bed."

The 44-year-old reserved special praise for his wife, Margaret, who still lives in Surrey with their children, although often travels up to Lancashire for matches.

She was present for Blackburn's home loss to Bolton in December, witnessing first-hand thousands of fans raining down chants of anger towards her husband, and Kean admitted he found the level of abuse tough to take.

"My wife has been amazing," Kean said. "She is very strong and balanced."

"After the Bolton match, she said: 'OK, that's one that never went the right way, but the next one will'."

"But that night against Bolton hurt. I am glad the children were not there because it would have been horrible for them to hear all that."

"I would be lying if I said it did not have an impact. It is not easy to take that kind of abuse. I stood there on the touchline because you cannot hide from it."

"You have to confront it or it will get too much for you. But when I look at the players and I know they are still responding to me, it helps. I know dressing rooms and these players believe in what we are doing together."

Kean believes that some fans may have gone overboard with their opinions. He is now accompanied by a bodyguard, due to worries for his safety, but is happy that the majority of Blackburn supporters are only interested in backing the team.

When asked if some fans had taken things too far Kean admitted: "Well, maybe."

"But I think the vast majority of fans are passionate, but also non-violent, whether towards me or anybody else. I also think most of the fans at Blackburn are behind me. It is all surreal, though, I cannot deny that."

Meanwhile, Blackburn assistant Eric Black has played down the possible exit of Congolese defender Christopher Samba from the club.

Samba has not featured for Keane's side for several weeks after expressing his desire to leave the Ewood Park outfit.

"It's Christopher Samba's decision, what he feels is right for his future and where he feels his future lies," Black said.

"I'm sure there are a lot of aspects that he's taken into consideration and I'm sure he'll make the right decision for himself."

"He hasn't played for three or four weeks, we've gone on and the players who have played there have been exceptional for us. Anybody who's watched the performances of late would I'm sure 100 per cent agree with me."