[Archived] Paul Ince

[tony gale's mic]

Management is lonely - Ince. Under-pressure Blackburn manager Paul Ince tells Inside Sport's Gabby Logan how lonely it can be down at the bottom of football's Premier League.

That's rubbish, he claims his job has more pressure than the likes of Scolari and Wenger?!! This man is unreal.

[thenodrog]

Then you must be an idiot. Wife, three kids mortgage, safe well paid job or mega salary for six months then out of work. If you think that's a daft decision I wouldn't like to hear about a sensible one.

Prob an intimidating prospect but imo you should have taken it. Why do you think that you would only have had 6 months in the job? You might not have thought you had the required qualities but the people who approached you certainly must have seen the necessary attributes in you. Do you think they were fools? Personally I doubt they were.

Opportunities like that only come ones way once or twice in a lifetime and it usually takes balls to take the plunge. More so as you say when you have committments. But this life is not a rehearsal and deep down I'm sure that you will always harbour a certain amount of regret.

Ditto Jan

Ditto Abbs

[92er]

I get the feeling that if the Liverpool game goes badly then the decision will be made. If the sentiment on this site is anything to go by then he will get a clear message from the supporters which could seal it. Hopefully the supporters will get fully behind the team from the start and we will win. Though I see the point of view of those who would like us to lose if it meant Ince was sacked but I would still like the three points. It might lead to a few more.

I've been wondering if a decision would be left till after the Liverpool game-maybe even left till a number of games after that; this was on the basis that if the fans really gave Ince a bad time, JW could turn round and say the decision had to be made, in other words pass the blame onto us. I also wonder if JW did insert a clause about not having to pay off the full contract in the case that Ince was not up to the job; I guess this would only come to light if he were sacked. And of course if Ince were to be sacked, JW would have had to line up an alternative who could take over straight away.

As someone who is not knowledgeable about the process of sacking people, it strikes me that the Board are not near to getting rid. Nicko and one or two others have suggested that the Board is split at the moment.

There is very little in the public domain about any problems that might be going on with the club-although the reference to the Club insisting, allegedely, that Ince needs to bring in better coaching staff because of disaffection on the part of the players might be start.

It was also interesting that Kevin Gallacgher(sp?) was on Radio Lancs tonight. He was suggesting that the Rovers were playing some quite pretty football but more as individuals than as a team. He argued that we need to be more aggressive and to play more like a team, in the sense that MH had turned us into a team compared with the way we were playing when he took over. He also suggested that if we don't get 6 points out of our next 3 league games, we could very well be cut adrift at the bottom and that a decision would have to be made by then.

Now, I was very struck that someone who is close to the club should come out with such a critical interview about Ince.It would be interesting to know if he had been encouraged to do so; hopefully he won't be ostracised for it.

[gumboots]

I've been wondering if a decision would be left till after the Liverpool game-maybe even left till a number of games after that; this was on the basis that if the fans really gave Ince a bad time, JW could turn round and say the decision had to be made, in other words pass the blame onto us. I also wonder if JW did insert a clause about not having to pay off the full contract in the case that Ince was not up to the job; I guess this would only come to light if he were sacked. And of course if Ince were to be sacked, JW would have had to line up an alternative who could take over straight away.

As someone who is not knowledgeable about the process of sacking people, it strikes me that the Board are not near to getting rid. Nicko and one or two others have suggested that the Board is split at the moment.

There is very little in the public domain about any problems that might be going on with the club-although the reference to the Club insisting, allegedely, that Ince needs to bring in better coaching staff because of disaffection on the part of the players might be start.

It was also interesting that Kevin Gallacgher(sp?) was on Radio Lancs tonight. He was suggesting that the Rovers were playing some quite pretty football but more as individuals than as a team. He argued that we need to be more aggressive and to play more like a team, in the sense that MH had turned us into a team compared with the way we were playing when he took over. He also suggested that if we don't get 6 points out of our next 3 league games, we could very well be cut adrift at the bottom and that a decision would have to be made by then.

Now, I was very struck that someone who is close to the club should come out with such a critical interview about Ince.It would be interesting to know if he had been encouraged to do so; hopefully he won't be ostracised for it.

The problem is that the decision has to be made before we get to that stage. There is money, however little, to be spent and we need someone who has identified targets and got things in place before the January window. We cannot afford to waste the time and money we have. I know they are probably hoping he's going to turn it round but I think, and I've been one of those wanting him to be given a reasonable amount of time, the time has to be up before it gets too late and we're bottom at Christmas with all that tag brings.

[T4E]

Prob an intimidating prospect but imo you should have taken it. Why do you think that you would only have had 6 months in the job? You might not have thought you had the required qualities but the people who approached you certainly must have seen the necessary attributes in you. Do you think they were fools? Personally I doubt they were.

Opportunities like that only come ones way once or twice in a lifetime and it usually takes balls to take the plunge. More so as you say when you have committments. But this life is not a rehearsal and deep down I'm sure that you will always harbour a certain amount of regret.

Ditto Jan

Ditto Abbs

Whether or not Paul did the right thing probably comes down to the crude subject of salaries. If Paul in his safe job was earning 75% or more of the salary in the job he was offered, then to raise was probably not worth the risk. If he was being offer double pay or even better then I guess he would have struggled more over the decision.

It could be that it was a massive raise and Paul still turned it down - I don't know.

I've not long ago been in a similar position. I have worked in my industry for 5 years, and over the last 12 months or so have had a few opportinities to chuck in my salaried job, set up on my own and take up a similar position as a self-employed contractor. It involved a nigh on 50% raise, and while I had no doubts I could do the job, it was obviously less secure than my previous employment status. 4 months ago I decided to go for it. So far so good - I'm thoroughly enjoying it. The contract is due to last atleast another 18 months, and I knew that when I was offered it and it was a major factor in my decision.

Sometimes you can be too cautious, but I would not criticise anyone for being careful - particularly as it seems Paul has done more than well for himself in the decisions he's made.

The other Paul, on the other hand, is probably way too thick to have thought about any of this.

[thenodrog]

i am shoked Williams has not sacked him yet. He needs to go now Williams cmon wake up and save our club. I have backed Ince all the way, but he has had enough chances now and he needs P45 TODAY WILLIAMS

Are we all sure that it's actually JW's decision to make?

To be fair the point about playing youngsters is a good one Den. Hughes never seemed willing to give any of the youngsters a chance at all, but Ince gave Olsson a try and, while he certainly isn't the finished article, he seems to be one for the future. He also had the balls to play Treacy rather than Pedersen when our Norwegian pop star was jogging around in front of the Riverside looking lost.

Well lets keep Olsson for the future then. Lets face it only the really outstanding kids have any place in todays Premier League. The likes of Walcott, Rooney etc. OK also rans simply cannot cut it. Look at the quality youth that Wenger has at Arsenal that never appear in the Prem. By comparison ours are 2nd Div players.

[gumboots]

Are web sure that it's actually JW's decision to make?

I'm not but I think they'd go with his recommendation since he works with the manager on a daily basis. It must be one of the problems with having ownership by committee. Protects you sometimes but can make decisive action difficult although nowadays with video conferencing etc it ought to be easier to get a discussion going than whe you actually had to have the board present. Surely you can have a quorum by computer?

[thenodrog]

Fowler to Grimsby!!!

Woo Hooooooooo

Wot no Prem clubs in for him? Cardiff City subs bench to Grimsby Town via BRFC first team squad. Wtf does that tell you about the abilities of our leader?

[frosty]

He said: "I feel that you just want to stay in this league, because we haven't got the financial clout to do anything else and push forward."

All he ever goes on about is money. Nice to see his ambition anyway!

[tonygreenbank]

Is it only three games since the "InceOut" campaign gathered momentum after the second half shambles against Sunderland? Up to then I had no idea that there was a crisis at the club but I suppose in these days of internet opinons that quickly gather into a "cause" then we have to take it seriously. I am not complacent by any means and am very unhappy at what is happening. My last 3 weekends have been ruined by the defeats as I`m sure have many other fans but at the same time I am puzzled as to the results.

At halftime against Sunderland there was a feeling that we had turned the corner only to lose horribly. I watched the Spurs game and we didnt play too badly and we were very much in the game right to the end. Against Pompey any side that can come from 2 down to draw level so quickly is not lacking in fight and commitment but again poor defending let us down. The Times says in its match report "Blackburn arrived on the South Coast supposedly in a state of desperation but there was no tangible sign of worry from Ince`s side, who exuded a curious air of authority".

I am puzzled because if I saw that they were playing rubbish football and relegation is a racing certainty then I would say Ince out. I think sooner rather than later he will have to become more defence minded and curtail his attacking instinct. He has suffered from injuries to key players which hasnt helped. Dunn and Grella seem a good pairing but its make do and mend till January.

I am puzzled too about the certainty people have that just sacking someone will bring definite success. Allardyce is the new Messiah when in July he was vilified on these pages. I know I keep repeating it but there is only Mr Williams who knows what is happening at the club and lets leave to him. I`m sure he`s as upset as the rest of us and if he feels Ince is the man then let`s back him. Confidence is a huge factor in football . A win against Liverpool would make a hell of a difference.

[tony gale's mic]

Is it only three games since the "InceOut" campaign gathered momentum after the second half shambles against Sunderland? Up to then I had no idea that there was a crisis at the club but I suppose in these days of internet opinons that quickly gather into a "cause" then we have to take it seriously. I am not complacent by any means and am very unhappy at what is happening. My last 3 weekends have been ruined by the defeats as I`m sure have many other fans but at the same time I am puzzled as to the results.

At halftime against Sunderland there was a feeling that we had turned the corner only to lose horribly. I watched the Spurs game and we didnt play too badly and we were very much in the game right to the end. Against Pompey any side that can come from 2 down to draw level so quickly is not lacking in fight and commitment but again poor defending let us down. The Times says in its match report "Blackburn arrived on the South Coast supposedly in a state of desperation but there was no tangible sign of worry from Ince`s side, who exuded a curious air of authority".

I am puzzled because if I saw that they were playing rubbish football and relegation is a racing certainty then I would say Ince out. I think sooner rather than later he will have to become more defence minded and curtail his attacking instinct. He has suffered from injuries to key players which hasnt helped. Dunn and Grella seem a good pairing but its make do and mend till January.

I am puzzled too about the certainty people have that just sacking someone will bring definite success. Allardyce is the new Messiah when in July he was vilified on these pages. I know I keep repeating it but there is only Mr Williams who knows what is happening at the club and lets leave to him. I`m sure he`s as upset as the rest of us and if he feels Ince is the man then let`s back him. Confidence is a huge factor in football . A win against Liverpool would make a hell of a difference.

Tony we are a side who have finished in the top 10 these last three seasons. Against Sunderland there wasn't a feeling we'd turned the corner, just that we'd put in a good first half display against an extremely poor side. After that they ran riot over us in the second half. Spurs could have scored a lot more than just the two against us, and that sending off was a stupid move by Olsson but partly down to Ince's tactics that he was exposed so badly. We weren't too bad against Pompey but Ince can't control the defence and you say we need to be more defensive minded but our attack is hardly firing on all cylinders either is it?

Noone thinks that sacking Ince will bring definite success, but leaving things be will, in many of our opinions, mean almost certain relegation.

Look at his interviews! These last few seasons we were a club pressing for Europe and disappointed when we didn't make it, now he's trying to not-so-subtley lower our expectations so we should be happy just to stay in this league!

[Amo]

Anyone else getting pig SICK of hearing Ince bemoan the lack of funds to cover his own incompetence? I love how in his first press conference he was saying how we finished seventh and how we build on this, but now he's realized it takes a modicum of intelligence to manage in the Prem, he says we're just happpy to avoid relegation. Kudos, Paul. Kudos!!

[thenodrog]

It was also interesting that Kevin Gallacgher(sp?) was on Radio Lancs tonight. He was suggesting that the Rovers were playing some quite pretty football but more as individuals than as a team. He argued that we need to be more aggressive and to play more like a team, in the sense that MH had turned us into a team compared with the way we were playing when he took over. He also suggested that if we don't get 6 points out of our next 3 league games, we could very well be cut adrift at the bottom and that a decision would have to be made by then.

Now, I was very struck that someone who is close to the club should come out with such a critical interview about Ince.It would be interesting to know if he had been encouraged to do so; hopefully he won't be ostracised for it.

I heard that. Whilst he was obviously not coming out directly in dissing Paul Ince the implication was very strong and left one in little doubt that he thinks Ince is clueless and that it's high time to get rid.

[tony gale's mic]

Anyone else getting pig SICK of hearing Ince bemoan the lack of funds to cover his own incompetence? I love how in his first press conference he was saying how we finished seventh and how we build on this, but now he's realized it takes a modicum of intelligence to manage in the Prem, he says we're just happpy to avoid relegation. Kudos, Paul. Kudos!!

Yeah, apparently relegation was something to joke about at his opening press conference it was that stupid an idea...

[John]

I know he is a 'fighter', but looking at his interview tonight and yesterday, I am not sure he thinks he can turn this around.

[thenodrog]

I know he is a 'fighter', but looking at his interview tonight and yesterday, I am not sure he thinks he can turn this around.

He's blaming bad luck a lot for our situation.

[Billy Castell]

Is bad luck related to Lady Luck by any chance?....................................

[Athlete]

All he ever goes on about is money. Nice to see his ambition anyway!

not too long ago he was harping on about Europe the man is a total fool get rid of him NOW

Anyone else getting pig SICK of hearing Ince bemoan the lack of funds to cover his own incompetence? I love how in his first press conference he was saying how we finished seventh and how we build on this, but now he's realized it takes a modicum of intelligence to manage in the Prem, he says we're just happpy to avoid relegation. Kudos, Paul. Kudos!!

another quality interview from PI the prat

[rovers_rob]

It was also interesting that Kevin Gallacgher(sp?) was on Radio Lancs tonight. He was suggesting that the Rovers were playing some quite pretty football but more as individuals than as a team. He argued that we need to be more aggressive and to play more like a team, in the sense that MH had turned us into a team compared with the way we were playing when he took over. He also suggested that if we don't get 6 points out of our next 3 league games, we could very well be cut adrift at the bottom and that a decision would have to be made by then.

Now, I was very struck that someone who is close to the club should come out with such a critical interview about Ince.It would be interesting to know if he had been encouraged to do so; hopefully he won't be ostracised for it.

I heard that interview and I agree with everything Gally said, he also mentioned that he is still very close to the club and he still speaks to the staff and directors. I also heard Richard Dinnis on Friday night, he only spoke briefly about Rovers but he was very critical of the coaching.

[RevidgeBlue]

I also heard Richard Dinnis on Friday night, he only spoke briefly about Rovers but he was very critical of the coaching.

As probably our worst ever manager who failed miserably at division three level thirty five years ago, it irritates me immensely to hear Dinnis go on as if he is some sort of relevant authority.

You might as well seek the views of Jim Iley.

[Paul Mellelieu]

The level of personal abuse aimed at Ince is becoming embarrassing and more than a little repetitive. Let's lay off the guy.

[Hi Mack]

The level of personal abuse aimed at Ince is becoming embarrassing and more than a little repetitive. Let's lay off the guy.

Uou mixed your words at the end surely we should "lay the guy off"

[92er]

As probably our worst ever manager who failed miserably at division three level thirty five years ago, it irritates me immensely to hear Dinnis go on as if he is some sort of relevant authority.

You might as well seek the views of Jim Iley.

I know a number of people who, for various reasons, aren't overly keen on Dinnis.

However, it doesn't mean his points are not valid.

[Blue blood]

Worst interview yet imo.

No financial clout staying up is all we can do - hmmm, what reaction would that have got in his opening press conference? Would that have been acceptable in his interview? Ince needs to own up to the responsibility that he is destroying our beloved football club.

I struggle to dislike people, but Ince is really irritating me with comments like this. I was all for giving him a chance, and have no personal grudge against him; but statements like this are a betrayal of our club and his FAILURE TO ACCEPT RESPONSIBILITY for the dire situation we are in is unprofessional, arrogant and highly detestible in the extreme.

[Amo]

"I guess, like Paul Ince at Blackburn and even Gianfranco Zola at West Ham, Keane is beginning to understand that if you've played at any of the top clubs you have to realise that the players you manage will not be as good as you and they might not have the same hunger and desire."

-- Alan Hansen.