Blackburn's New Guv'nor
Welcome to the Premier League, Paul Ince! Yes, Ince may know the Premier League inside out from his playing career but he'll experience a whole new ball game next season when he takes charge of Blackburn Rovers, his first top-flight managerial post.
And it's great to see Ince land the job at Ewood Park. While Sam Allardyce, Steve McClaren and Michael Laudrup were all linked with the position, Rovers have taken a bit of a gamble in going for Ince. It could prove to be an inspired decision, though. Ince has served his apprenticeship in the lower leagues, first with a coaching spell at Swindon, then at Macclesfield – who he rescued from relegation – and last season, in guiding MK Dons to the League Two title and promotion. Not to mention victory in the Johnstone's Paint Trophy.
As soon as I heard the news about Ince, I thought immediately of Alan Shearer. Ince and Shearer had played together many times with England, and they're roughly the same age, yet they have distinctly different approaches to a career in management.
Shearer, linked with the Blackburn job Ince now has, seems to be happy talking bland nonsense in a TV studio while he waits for someone – Newcastle, most likely – to hand him a Premier League coach's spot on a plate. Ince, on the other hand, got stuck right in to the first job which came his way, and has patiently worked his way up the ladder. He's still just 40 years old, but he's got a decent-looking CV and, next season, will right in the big time. He's earned this chance.
Well done, Incey. And good luck.
Meanwhile get your eyeballs on some Euro 2008 action! Check out Bodog's Euro 2008 odds.
Submit Your Comment