Ince in Blues frame

Sky Sports understands that Paul Ince has emerged as early contender to succeed Chris Hughton as manager of Birmingham City.

Birmingham begin search for Hughton's successor

Sky Sports understands that Paul Ince has emerged as an early contender to succeed Chris Hughton as manager of Birmingham City. The Blues find themselves without a boss following Hughton's decision to take the reins at Norwich. He has been lured back to the Premier League by the Canaries and was officially unveiled on Thursday. Birmingham now find themselves with a coaching void to fill, and the task of identifying contenders for the role has already begun. The Blues fell agonisingly short in their efforts to secure an immediate return to the top flight in 2011/12, as they came unstuck at the semi-final stage of the Championship play-offs. They are now looking for someone to take them over that final hurdle and back to the big time.

Consideration

It is understood that Ince is among those under consideration. The former England international has been out of work since leaving Notts County in April. He has plenty of experience when it comes to coaching in the Football League, having taken in a spell at Macclesfield and two with the MK Dons. Ince has also worked in the Premier League, but lasted just 177 days in the Ewood Park hot-seat back in 2008. He is keen to get back into management and the fact that he is unattached appeals to Birmingham.