Ince facing mutiny: Blackburn stars don't rate their new boss

Ince is preparing for his first season as a top-flight manager and was a surprise choice to replace Mark Hughes, despite success in the lower divisions.

Some players have been less than enthusiastic about Ince's approach to training, which is said to vary drastically from Hughes's meticulous, scientific method, while others have complained that the former Manchester United midfielder is too egotistical.

While it is not yet a full-blown rebellion, a good start to the season is crucial if matters are to settle down.

Easy target: Ince's players preferred the more scientific approach of Hughes

Ince's assistant Ray Mathias has been put in charge of the majority of the training, just as he was when the two worked well together at League Two clubs MK Dons and Macclesfield.

This approach has been successful at United, for example, where Sir Alex Ferguson's former No 2 Carlos Queiroz took most of the training. It is also normal for players to moan about a new manager as he looks to shake them from established routines and impose his personality.

Nevertheless, it is clear that the relatively inexperienced Ince, only 40, faces a challenge if he is to have his squad fully onside for the first Premier League fixture at Everton a week on Saturday.

Ince has seen two of the club's most important players leave, with winger David Bentley sold to Tottenham and goalkeeper Brad Friedel to Aston Villa.

Bentley is believed to have shown dissent in his last days at Rovers, walking off in disgust when a trainer ordered him to do 20 press-ups as punishment for having his arms folded.

One senior player said: 'We've gone from a well-organised, well-drilled back-room staff to one that feels like it's been patched together. A lot of us wanted to give him a chance to see how it worked out, but it's not looking too good.'

Ince has also lost chief scout Mike Rigg, who is expected to become the fifth member of Rovers support staff to link up with former boss Hughes at Manchester City.

Ince is trying to keep on board striker Roque Santa Cruz - despite interest from City and United - and also hopes to get another forward, Benni McCarthy, in shape after being disappointed with the South African's condition following the summer break.

Ince wants McCarthy to shape up

Ince is fighting to keep Santa Cruz

Ince landed right back Danny Simpson, 21, on a season's loan from United and welcomed highly-rated 22-year-old Ghana midfielder Anthony Annan for a week's trial.

Norwegian side Start want £2million for Annan, who partnered Michael Essien in the Africa Cup of Nations. The player has also attracted interest from Chelsea and Borussia Dortmund.

Ince is giving trials to Bordeaux defender Paul Baysse, 20, and Lens midfielder Julien Sable, 27, but new midfielder Carlos Villanueva has been forced to stay away after being struck by chicken pox.