Ince takes reins at Blackburn

Blackburn Rovers manager Paul Ince has promised to get the required coaching qualifications within two years.

Ince does not have the Uefa Pro Licence required to manage in the Premier League, but it is written into his Blackburn contract that he must study for the badge.

Blackburn chairman John Williams said: "The case was made that Paul had served his apprenticeship in the lower leagues and had been busy with that since he stopped playing and we gave the undertaking that Paul will get the licence.

"Paul has signed a contract with Blackburn where that undertaking is a contractual term. It's not something we'll just try and get done. He's under contract to Blackburn that he will complete that timeframe and we in turn have given that to the Premier League."

It is the first time Ince has managed in the Premier League. His previous experience came in League Two, where he helped Macclesfield Town avoid relegation then steered Milton Keynes Dons to promotion.

Ince said: "The feedback I have had from fans has been very encouraging and I am looking forward to meeting the players. I am not scared of many things and there is no fear factor coming to Blackburn. It is exciting coming here."

Ince's first challenge may be to persuade David Bentley and Roque Santa Cruz to stay at Ewood Park.

Bentley has made it clear he wants to play in the Champions League next season while Santa Cruz has been linked with Manchester United.

Ince added: "I'm looking forward to getting my teeth into it and I want to keep my best players, Bentley and Santa Cruz among them.

"We don't start pre-season until 7 July so I'll speak to those two players and to the rest of them and take it from there."

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