Ince proud to be a role model at Blackburn Rovers

4:43pm Tuesday 24th June 2008

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New Blackburn boss Paul Ince today admitted he is proud to be the Premier League's first black British manager and hopes his breakthrough will encourage others to follow suit.

Ince, who has only two years experience under his belt as a manager with Macclesfield and MK Dons, now has the chance to make his mark in the top flight as Mark Hughes' successor at Ewood Park.

He is also making history for the second time in his football career, having also become the first black player to captain England when he played against the United States in 1993.

"It is a big deal because I think there should be more black players encouraged to go into management," Ince told Sky Sports.

"It (him becoming a Premier League manager) is very important for black players who want to go into coaching and management. Maybe the likes of Les Ferdinand and Sol Campbell will do so in the future."

Asked if he had considered whether he might go on to become the first black England manager, Ince replied: "Not really. I am happy to be a role model. I am proud of where I come from, proud of my roots.

"I am proud to be at Blackburn and I don't know where it will take me. Only time will tell. I've only been in management two years and I'm still learning the game and learning from my mistakes."

"It means a lot (to make history) but it's also about that fact that I'm in the Premier League. Whether I'm black, white or whatever, I'm just proud to be in the Premier League.

"I never really thought that I would get it (the Blackburn job) but I am glad I did and it's a lovely family club."