LMA confirm Ince support

New Blackburn boss given time to gain qualifications

Last updated: 23rd June 2008

LMA confirm Ince support

Ince: Two-year window

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The League Managers' Association has given their full backing to new Blackburn boss Paul Ince even though he does not hold a Uefa Pro Licence.

Ince has been handed a two-year window to gain the qualification by the Premier League, and the LMA has now offered the former England international their support.

The decision may anger Middlesbrough after current boss Gareth Southgate was not offered similar help when he took charge at The Riverside in 2006 without the correct qualifications.

However, the LMA has said in a statement that they will support the Premier League's decision.

Success

The statement said: "The requirement for mandatory qualifications for managers to manage in the Premier League is a rule established by the Premier League and Uefa.

"Where exemptions to this rule are made by the Premier League, the LMA has a duty to support the manager.

"Further, the LMA will work closely with the Professional Footballers' Association, the Premier League and the Football Association to offer all possible support and assistance to its member, in helping him to gain any qualifications that may be necessary.

"The LMA would like to congratulate Paul Ince on his successes as a manager to date and to wish him and his staff success at Blackburn."

Ince will be officially unveiled as successor to former boss Mark Hughes at Blackburn in a press conference on Tuesday, which can be seen live on Sky Sports News from 12pm.