Ince eager for Hammers trip

New Blackburn boss relishing Upton Park return

Last updated: 26th June 2008

Paul Ince Upton Park Premier League Middlesbrough West Ham fans

Ince on a previous Upton Park visit

Not long ago I was thinking about games against Darlington and Rochdale, no disrespect to them.

Paul Ince.
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New Blackburn manager Paul Ince is relishing the return to former club West Ham in his third Premier League game at the helm.

The former Upton Park midfielder is guaranteed a hostile reception in the East End of London with fans still bitter over the manner of his departure for Manchester United in 1989.

But Ince, who is in his first top-flight job after two seasons in League Two with Macclesfield and MK Dons, cannot wait.

Ex-England international Ince, the first black British manager in the history of the Premier League, was confirmed as Mark Hughes' successor at the weekend.

Stood out

He said: "I looked at the fixtures and noticed straight away that West Ham was the third game.

"The trip to Upton Park was the one that stood out to me for some reason. I can't think why!

"But we've got Everton and Hull to play before then it will be an exciting time for me.

"Not long ago I was thinking about games against Darlington and Rochdale, no disrespect to them.

"Now here I am looking at when we are going to be playing against Manchester United and Chelsea - and West Ham, of course."