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Ince proud to make history
Tuesday 24th June 2008, 3:21PM BST.
New Blackburn boss Paul Ince has expressed his pride to be the Premier League’s first black British manager and hopes his breakthrough will encourage others to follow suit.
The former Wolves skipper, who has only two years experience under his belt as a manager with Macclesfield and MK Dons, now has the chance to make his mark in the top flight as Mark Hughes’ successor at Ewood Park.
He is also making history for the second time in his football career, having also become the first black player to captain England when he played against United States in 1993.
He said: “It is a big deal because I think there should be more black players encouraged to go into management.
“Becoming a Premier League manager is very important for black players who want to go into coaching and management.
“Maybe the likes of Les Ferdinand and Sol Campbell will do so in the future.”
Asked if he had considered whether he might become the first black England manager, Ince replied: “Not really. I am happy to be a role model.”
The 40-year-old, who guided MK Dons to promotion from Coca-Cola League Two and won the Johnstone’s Paint Trophy with them last term, said his first priority would be to talk to in-demand pair David Bentley and Roque Santa Cruz.
Chairman John Williams revealed that Ince is contractually obliged to earn his UEFA Pro Licence in the window allocated by the Premier League.
Ince was named as Hughes’ successor despite not possessing the required coaching qualifications to take over at a top flight club.
Williams admitted Ince was formally bound to completing his training in the agreed period.
He said: “We had to give certain undertakings because quite clearly Paul didn’t meet the requirements of the rule.”
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we should be ashamed we missed out on him
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Get your practice in then you can come beck to the molineux, you know it makes sense !
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Im gutted, it should be a wolves shirt he should be holding up, i don’t want him to fail at Blackburn, so i find it difficult to see how he could come to wolves in the future. But i can dream, and if tht day does come i’ll buy a ten year season ticket lol
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Stephen Warnock had already agreed to stay as a result of Incey taking the managers job – and Incey saying “that he wants to play entertaining football for the fans”
A crying shame the powers at be at Wolves had no guts to bring Paul Ince in as manager with or without experience – afterall how much experience did Roy Keane have?
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Biggest mistake of all time not appointing him as manager, he was a born winner for club and country. He is only ever going upwards and i wouldn’t be surprised if he ended up the England manager.
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1. ginger wolf.
That is the understatement of this year. He is perfect for the Wolves job and you let him slip through your fingers ! It is no good crying over spilt milk, but I think Wolves should shed bucket loads. I think it is one of those subjects that will come back to haunt you again and again. My only wonder is if he would have jumped at the Wolves job, or not ? I think it should have been offered to him months ago, being an honest Baggie fan that I am. I point out that I am not jesting with you, it’s what I believe.
IT’S BOSTIN BEING A BAGGIE !!!
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All the best Incey, I wish you every success.
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What if he fails ? There is no guarantee he will be a success. You cannot say it was a mistake not appointing him at the time – he had no managerial experience and we were left in the mire by Hoddle. My thoughts are that Ince wont fail and that he will be a success in the prem – but lets not assume that just yet. Its a different ball game up there as we know to our cost .
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MM did a brilliant job first season, last season was a let down, but lets give the manager and players the chance to do the business this season.I only object to the way the fans were blamed for the lack of success amolineux a pr blunder.
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Benny Boy all speculation,if buts and maybes.
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I’m sorry, but as much as i like Paul Ince, i’m sick of this guy banging on about being “Black”.
Surely Paul, himself, is being racist to a certain extent by making to divide between skin colours. It does not matter what colour skin you have, you either will or will not be a good coach!
I just think Paul should focus on what he is best at, rather than the colour of his skin!
Grow Up Paul!
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Spot on 11,,why should people be encouraged just because of their skin colour..In my opinion Paul Ince is to far up himself,,I dont forget after the play off final,a group of us went under the Milleneum stadium to meet and greet the players,Ince was the only one to get straight on the coach without a word,,he could do with a few lessons from Bully…
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