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INCE WINS BIG RACE
WHEN Paul Ince became the first black player to captain England 15 years ago, he seemed distinctly underwhelmed.
Asked about the ground-breaking honour ahead of a friendly match against the USA in Boston, Ince — publicly at least — was more keen to emphasise his qualities as a player and leader than the colour of his skin.
At the time, I felt it was almost as if Ince felt a bit peeved that some might have perceived his promotion as more a politically correct gesture than a reflection of his status as one of England’s most influential midfielders.
Now Ince is about to make another profound leap by becoming the first English-born black manager of a Premier League club.
Maybe he will be more willing to embrace such a label.
In taking charge of Blackburn, Ince can offer inspiration and belief to other potential black coaches that the institutional racism which has been rolled back on the terraces and dressing rooms is now in retreat in the boardroom.
And on a much grander scale, perhaps his status may be seen as the right sort of role model to urban youth of a certain attitude who discover real respect stems from taking on responsibility.
Mostly, though, I suspect the label Incey will really want is to be known simply as a top and successful manager to the point where the colour of his skin is not an issue.
A manager whose record in the not too distant future will make him a candidate to take charge at Manchester United, Inter Milan or England.
Unlike many ex-star players he’s already got dirt under his nails by working to great effect in the lower reaches with MK Dons and Macclesfield.
Yes, the move to Blackburn is a massive step up and Mark Hughes will be a hard act to follow — not least because there is a limited budget at Ewood Park and several top players are on their way. But I reckon Ince recognises sometimes you only get one shot at the big time and have to grasp it.
Besides, with all his experience — including having played in Italy where he endured and overcame prejudice — Ince has earned the right to compete in the same league as former United team-mates Hughes, Steve Bruce and Roy Keane.
Anyone who believes otherwise must still think Jim Davidson is funny.
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