You are in > manchester.com  > News > LMA supports Blackburn in Ince appointment

General Sport

LMA supports Blackburn in Ince appointment

23/06/2008

The League Managers Association (LMA) has backed the appointment of Blackburn Rovers' new manager Paul Ince.

The former Macclesfield Town and MK Dons boss was formerly appointed last week, but he had to wait for his role to be ratified by the Premier League because he does not hold the necessary qualifications.

Managers usually need to hold a Uefa Pro licence in order to take charge of teams in the top flight, as is the case in a number of other major European leagues in Spain, Italy and Germany.

However, previous instances have seen managers given special dispensation to manage in the Premier League, provided they are working towards achieving the required qualifications.

And the LMA, a known champion of homegrown talent as opposed to appointing managers from abroad, has given its support to the decision of the Premier League to allow Ince to take over at Ewood Park.

In a statement, the LMA said it is "committed to the principles of education, continued career development and appropriate qualifications for professional football managers and coaches".

But it added that the appointment of Ince is encouraging for domestic-based managers and said it would back Ince in his future endeavours.

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

"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 PFA, 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 statement added: "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 Rovers."