LMA give Blackburn's Ince two years to gain his UEFA Pro Manager's Licence

The League Managers' Association have confirmed they have given Ince full backing even though the new Blackburn boss does not hold a UEFA Pro Licence.  

Pioneer: Blackburn's Paul Ince is the first black Barclays Premier League manager

The former Manchester United midfielder arrives from MK Dons, the club he led to promotion from League Two last season. 

Ince also saved Macclesfield from anticipated relegation from the bottom tier when he took over.  

And Williams is convinced the right man is in place after handing him a three-year contract.  

'We took our time finding a new manager, and I'd like to think we've been as thorough as possible,' he told the Lancashire Telegraph.  

'We had some very impressive candidates on our list. But Paul Ince has come out on top and I think he will prove to be an outstanding manager.

'I'm very excited by the appointment and, judging by his reaction, I think Paul is very excited too. He's really up for it and very hungry.'

 Former Blackburn and Scotland striker Kevin Gallacher believes Ince has the "hunger and desire" to succeed with Rovers. But Gallacher feels it is important the new boss keeps key players at the club.  

'Paul has got the hunger and desire in his belly to be a good manager,' he told BBC Radio Lancashire. 'He showed that at Macclesfield by how he managed to keep them up, and he brought a couple of trophies to MK Dons.  

'So it's a good achievement at a low level and hopefully he can bring some of that luck with him to Blackburn.'

Gallacher added: 'If Paul can keep the ship floating, keep the good players at the club, continue with the good work Mark has done and add his little bit in, Blackburn can only get stronger.'

The League Managers' Association have confirmed they have given Ince full backing even though the new Blackburn boss does not hold a UEFA Pro Licence.  

The LMA have taken this stance as the Barclays Premier League are allowing Ince a two-year window to gain the qualification.  

In a statement, the LMA said: 'The requirement for mandatory qualifications for managers to manage in the Barclays Premier League is a rule established by the Premier League and UEFA.  

'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 FA to offer all possible support and assistance to its member, in helping him to gain any qualifications that may be necessary.'

The statement continued: '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.'