Ince is fans’ favourite to take reins at Blackburn

PAUL INCE has paid a glowing tribute to the “traditions” of Blackburn Rovers, fuelling speculation he will eventually end up at Ewood Park.

With former England team-mate Alan Shearer pulling out of the race to succeed Mark Hughes, Ince is the fans’ favourite to get the job.

Ince made a positive impression at lowly Macclesfield in his first year as a boss, before guiding MK Dons to the Coca-Cola League Two championship last term.

And although Sam Allardyce is the latest man to speak with Rovers about their vacancy, chief executive John Williams will be mindful that the majority of respondents to a local newspaper website would prefer Ince. The former Manchester United man is wary of making an outright declaration of interest, but it seems certain, if an approach was made, Ince would be willing to take it up.

“Blackburn are a great club, with great traditions,” Ince gushed. “They are a family club and Mark Hughes did a fantastic job there, so we will see.”

However, Ince is at pains to stress his immediate priority is events at MK Dons, who have already rebuffed interest from Leicester about their manager.

“At this moment in time I am preparing for a new season with Milton Keynes,” he added.

“Blackburn would have to speak to my chairman first. If that happens, we will go from there. I can’t make any decisions until I have received a call from my chairman saying Blackburn have asked to speak to me.”

One area Ince is lacking, certainly in comparison to Allardyce, is experience. However, Allardyce is not renowned for the style of football Blackburn pride themselves on, hence the antipathy from the rank and file.