Paul Ince Named Blackpool Manager

The Guv'nor's Back

Paul Ince has been named as the new manager of Championship side Blackpool, who his son Thomas already plays for.

Ince has not managed for almost two years after he left Notts County in April 2011 but has signed a one-year rolling contract at Bloomfield Road.

“It’s great to be here," he told the Blackpool website. "Considering I’ve watched the team play for the last 14 months, it’s strange sitting here as the manager, having obviously watched Blackpool as a fan as well as watching my son play.

“I’m over the moon though and delighted, it’s great to be back on the training ground and great to be involved with, and in charge of, a great bunch of lads.

Ince last managed nearly two years ago

“I’ve worked with a lot of players and the spirit and togetherness of the lads is absolutely fantastic. I’m glad I’ve been given the opportunity by Karl Oyston.”

Ince becomes Blackpool's third manager of the season after cult favourite Ian Holloway departed for Crystal Palace, before his replacement Michael Appleton lasted two months until he moved on to Blackburn Rovers.

Ince's son Thomas was the subject of interest from Liverpool in January

Forty-five-year-old Ince previously coached at Swindon, Macclesfield and MK Dons before he was named Blackburn boss in June 2008, only to be sacked after only six months.

He returned for a stint at MK Dons before moving on to his last job in management at Notts County.

Ince in action for Manchester United at West Ham, February 1994

The first black player to captain England, Ince enjoyed a trophy-laden career, winning two Premier League titles, two FA Cups, the League Cup and the European Cup Winners' Cup with Manchester United.

He started for England at Euros 96 and 2000, as well as the 1998 World Cup in France.

Thomas, who had the odd cameo on the iconic Football Italia in the mid-90s when his father played for Internazionale, failed to generate approval from his father when he scored for England's Under-21s two weeks ago.

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