Paul Ince

1.1. Youth and Early Career

Paul Emerson Carlyle Ince was born on 21 October 1967, in Ilford, Greater London. He grew up as a supporter of West Ham United, the club he would later join. At the age of 12, he was spotted by West Ham manager John Lyall during a period when the club was in the Football League Second Division and achieved a surprise FA Cup final triumph over Arsenal.

Ince signed for West Ham as a trainee at 14. Lyall supported Ince through challenging school times, eventually signing him as a YTS trainee upon his departure from school in 1984. He emerged from West Ham's renowned youth academy, often referred to as "The Academy of Football."

1.2. West Ham United

Ince made his professional debut for West Ham United in the Football League First Division on 30 November 1986, against Newcastle United. He established himself as a regular player during the 1987-88 season, showcasing a well-rounded skill set that included pace, stamina, uncompromising tackling, and good passing ability. He also possessed a powerful shot. His performances earned him call-ups to the England under-21 team, adding to the youth caps he had accumulated as an apprentice. He firmly cemented his position as the successor in West Ham's midfield to the veteran Billy Bonds, who retired at the end of the 1987-88 season.

Despite Ince's individual brilliance, West Ham experienced a challenging period during his early career. After winning the FA Cup in 1980 and finishing third in the league in 1986, they struggled to maintain their challenge for major honors, finishing 15th in 1987 and 16th in 1988. The 1988-89 season proved eventful for Ince. He gained national recognition with two stunning goals in a shock 4-1 League Cup victory over defending league champions Liverpool. The Hammers reached the semi-finals of the League Cup, losing to Luton Town, but struggled in the league and were ultimately relegated at the end of the season, which led to manager John Lyall's departure after 15 years.

1.3. Manchester United

After playing just one match in the Football League Second Division the following season, Ince completed a highly controversial transfer to Manchester United for 1.00 M GBP. The controversy arose because Ince had been photographed in a Manchester United kit long before the transfer was finalized, with the image appearing in the Daily Express. This led to significant abuse from West Ham United fans for many years. The initial move was delayed after he failed a medical, but it was swiftly completed on 14 September 1989, after he received medical clearance.

Ince later explained the incident in an interview, stating that he had spoken to manager Alex Ferguson and the deal was close. His agent at the time, Ambrose Mendy, advised him to take a picture in a United shirt before leaving for holiday, to be released once the transfer was announced. However, the photo was mistakenly published by the Daily Express, causing an uproar. Ince maintained it was not his fault, as he was young and followed his agent's instructions, subsequently enduring the criticism.

He made his Manchester United debut in a 5-1 victory over Millwall, though his subsequent game was a 5-1 Manchester derby defeat by Manchester City. Ince quickly became a formidable presence in the United midfield, often playing alongside Bryan Robson and Neil Webb, although injuries frequently impacted this partnership in the early seasons.

Ince won his first major trophy with United in his inaugural season, as they defeated Crystal Palace 1-0 in an FA Cup final replay at Wembley, following an initial 3-3 draw. In both matches, Ince was deployed at right-back, with Mike Phelan occupying his preferred central midfield role. Ince was named man of the match in the replay.

Over the next four seasons, as Robson's United career gradually concluded (he left to manage Middlesbrough in 1994), Ince partnered with various central midfielders, including Phelan, Webb, and Darren Ferguson. One of his standout performances came in February 1994, when he scored in a 2-2 away draw against his former club West Ham in the Premier League. During the 1993-94 season, Ince contributed significantly with 8 goals and 10 assists in the league, and also provided an assist for Bryan McClair's goal in the FA Cup final against Chelsea, helping secure the trophy.

United continued their domestic dominance, winning the European Cup Winners' Cup in 1991 by defeating Barcelona in Rotterdam, and the Football League Cup in 1992 against Nottingham Forest. In the 1993-94 season, Manchester United led the Premier League for almost the entire season, with Ince serving as the midfield general in the side that secured the "double" of the league and FA Cup in 1994.

A year later, in June 1995, Ferguson controversially sold Ince to Inter Milan for 7.50 M GBP, one of the largest fees involving an English club at the time. Ferguson and Ince had a tempestuous relationship; Ferguson famously called him a "bottler" and a "big-time Charlie" (a statement he later regretted). Ince's nickname, "The Guvnor", also reportedly irritated Ferguson, who once told him, "There's only one guvnor around here, Incey, and it ain't you." Many fans believed this personal friction, rather than footballing or economic reasons, was the primary motive for Ince's sale.

During his time at Manchester United, Ince won two Premier League titles, two FA Cups, one European Cup Winners' Cup, and one Football League Cup. He also earned runners-up medals in the League Cup twice and the FA Cup once.

1.4. Inter Milan

In the 1995-96 season, Inter Milan finished seventh in Serie A, failing to challenge for the scudetto. Despite a slow start that fueled speculation of a quick return to the Premier League (with Arsenal and Newcastle United reportedly interested), Ince had a successful first season, playing in all but four of Inter's league matches. He remained in Milan for two seasons.

The following year, in the 1996-97 season, Ince enjoyed another strong season with the nerazzurri, scoring 6 goals in 24 league matches as Inter finished third. He also played a crucial role in Inter's run to the UEFA Cup Final. Ince scored in the third-round second-leg match away to Boavista, as Inter progressed to face FC Schalke 04 in the final. Ince did not play in the first leg, which Inter lost 1-0, but he returned for the home match, which the Italians won 1-0 thanks to a goal from Iván Zamorano. However, Schalke ultimately won the final 4-1 in the ensuing penalty shoot-out.

Despite having two and a half years remaining on his contract, Ince was offered a new, improved contract by club president Massimo Moratti. However, due to family reasons, Ince was unable to accept the offer and decided to return to England, joining Liverpool. During his time at Inter, Ince built strong relationships with his teammates and gained popularity among the fans, though he also faced instances of racial abuse from opposing fans during matches.

1.5. Liverpool

In July 1997, Ince returned to England, signing with Liverpool, a move that stirred controversy among fans due to his strong ties with Manchester United, their arch-rivals. In his first season at Anfield, he scored a crucial equalizer in a 1-1 Merseyside Derby draw at home to Everton on 23 February 1998. On 6 May, he netted twice in a 4-0 victory over newly crowned league champions Arsenal, securing third place for Liverpool. He also equalized in a 2-2 comeback draw against Manchester United, who went on to win the treble that season.

Ince's two seasons with Liverpool did not yield any major honors. He was critical of some of his teammates, whom he dubbed the "Spice Boys" by the tabloid media due to their off-field issues, stating that he felt they "just wanted to go out all the time" and lacked the necessary professionalism on the pitch. In the summer of 1999, he had a falling out with Liverpool manager Gérard Houllier after Houllier attempted to sign Marc-Vivien Foé without consulting him.

1.6. Middlesbrough and Wolverhampton Wanderers

Following his disagreement with Houllier, Ince was placed on the transfer list. In July 1999, the 31-year-old midfielder signed for Middlesbrough for 1.00 M GBP, reuniting with his former Manchester United midfield partner, Bryan Robson, who was then Middlesbrough's manager. During his three seasons at Middlesbrough, Ince was known for his combative style, receiving 11, 9, and 10 yellow cards in his respective seasons. On 22 October 2001, he was sent off in a 2-0 home win over rivals Sunderland for putting his hands to Niall Quinn's face. On 10 March of the following year, he scored in a 3-0 victory against Everton at the Riverside Stadium, which sent Boro into the FA Cup semi-finals. However, he missed the semi-final defeat to Arsenal due to suspension. In July 2002, Ince left Middlesbrough after declining a two-year contract extension, citing the long commute from his home in the northwest. He made 106 appearances for Middlesbrough, scoring nine goals.

In August 2002, Ince signed a one-year contract with Football League First Division side Wolverhampton Wanderers, where he was joined by his former Manchester United teammate Denis Irwin. In his first season outside top-flight football, Ince played a pivotal role in helping the team achieve promotion to the Premier League through the play-offs. Wolves secured promotion with a 3-0 win over Sheffield United in the play-off final, with Ince assisting the second goal scored by Nathan Blake.

Both Ince and Irwin signed new one-year contracts to remain with Wolves for the 2003-04 FA Premier League season. However, the team struggled and finished bottom of the Premier League. Ince was sent off in the last game of the season, a 2-0 loss to Tottenham at Molineux. Having made over 100 appearances for the club, Ince signed another new contract in June 2005. He faced a period of injury, missing four months between August and December due to thigh problems. In April 2006, Ince expressed his desire to continue playing for Wolves for another season, encouraged by his friend Teddy Sheringham. However, after Glenn Hoddle's resignation as manager in July 2006, Ince was not offered a new contract by the newly appointed manager, Mick McCarthy. Throughout his tenure at Wolves, Ince frequently expressed his ambition to return to the club as manager in the future.

1.7. Swindon Town and Macclesfield Town

On 31 August 2006, Ince signed a one-year contract with Swindon Town as a player-coach. His decision was influenced by his long-standing friendship with Town manager Dennis Wise, with whom he had played for England in the 1990s. Ince made his first start for Swindon in his second game, a 2-1 victory over Milton Keynes Dons on 12 September, where he won a penalty. After playing just one more game, he ended his contract by mutual consent on 6 October, citing the long travel times from his home in Chester. He stated his intention to remain with the club to complete his coaching badges.

On 23 October 2006, Ince was confirmed as the new player-manager of Macclesfield Town, succeeding Brian Horton. However, he was ineligible to play for the "Silkmen" until the January transfer window opened, as Swindon Town still held his registration. When Ince took charge, Macclesfield Town was at the bottom of Football League Two, seven points adrift of their nearest rivals. He successfully revitalized the team's confidence, and after a 3-0 win against Chester, they managed to climb off the bottom of the table. They ultimately avoided relegation on the final day of the season. On 4 January 2007, Ince was named League Two Manager of the Month for December. Ince officially retired as a player while at Macclesfield, making only one league appearance-an 85th-minute substitute appearance for Alan Navarro in a 1-1 home draw with Notts County on 5 May, a result that secured the team's safety from relegation.

2.1. England Debut and Major Tournaments

Ince made his debut for the senior England team on 9 September 1992, in a friendly match against Spain in Santander, which England lost 1-0. He earned 53 caps for England, scoring two goals. His only international goals came on his 12th appearance, when he scored twice in a 7-1 away win against San Marino on 17 November 1993, in the final game of the unsuccessful 1994 FIFA World Cup qualification campaign.

During UEFA Euro 1996, Ince was a vital member of Terry Venables' England squad, serving as the midfield ball-winner and earning the nickname "Gazza's minder" for his role in creating space for Gascoigne's creative play. After a 1-1 draw against Switzerland and a 2-0 victory over Scotland, England delivered a memorable performance against the Netherlands, widely hailed as "the greatest in generations." Ince was fouled for a penalty that gave England the lead, contributing to a 4-1 victory. However, he received a yellow card, making him unavailable for the quarter-final against Spain, which England won in a penalty shoot-out with David Platt replacing him.

Venables reinstated Ince for the semi-final against Germany, where England switched to a back three, allowing Ince to play in central midfield alongside Paul Gascoigne and David Platt. The match ended in a 1-1 draw, and England ultimately lost the penalty shoot-out when Gareth Southgate missed. Ince, along with fellow midfielders Steve McManaman and Darren Anderton, and captain Tony Adams, faced criticism for not taking a penalty before Southgate. Ince notably sat with his back to the action during the entire shoot-out.

In a crucial 1998 FIFA World Cup qualifier away to Italy on 11 October 1997, Ince began the match in a white England shirt but finished with a red one, as his own blood soaked the shirt following a deep cut to his head, an incident reminiscent of Terry Butcher seven years earlier. The game ended goalless, securing England's qualification for the World Cup. He was selected for the finals in France, where England advanced from the group stage but were eliminated in the second round by Argentina, once again after a penalty shoot-out. This time, Ince took a penalty but saw it saved.

Ince was sent off in a 2-1 loss against Sweden in England's first qualifying match for UEFA Euro 2000 on 5 September 1998. In his absence, manager Kevin Keegan opted for David Batty in central midfield. When Batty was also sent off against Poland, Ince returned for the playoff against Scotland. In a warm-up match for Euro 2000 against Malta, Ince earned his 50th cap as a substitute and was subsequently named in the 22-man squad for the tournament. He played in all three of England's group games, winning a penalty against Romania in the final match, but England lost two of their three matches and were eliminated. Despite the team's early exit, Ince publicly stated that he would not follow Alan Shearer into international retirement, as he did not want to end his England career on a low note.

2.2. Pioneering Role as England Captain

Paul Ince achieved a historic milestone in English football on 6 June 1993, when he became the first black player to captain the England national team. This occurred on his seventh cap, during a tour of the United States, in a match against the host nation, in the absence of regular captains David Platt and Tony Adams. England lost the match 2-0. This moment was a significant step in breaking racial barriers within the sport and highlighted Ince's leadership qualities.

3.1. Early Managerial Roles

Ince's first foray into management began as a player-coach at Swindon Town on 31 August 2006. However, his tenure was brief, as he ended his contract by mutual consent on 6 October, citing long travel times from his home. He continued to pursue his coaching badges.

On 23 October 2006, Ince was appointed player-manager of Macclesfield Town in Football League Two. The club was in a precarious position, sitting at the bottom of the league, seven points behind their nearest rivals. Ince was initially ineligible to play until the January transfer window. He successfully revitalized the team's confidence, leading them off the bottom of the table after a 3-0 win against Chester. Macclesfield ultimately avoided relegation on the final day of the season. For his efforts, Ince was named League Two Manager of the Month in December 2006. He officially retired as a player while at Macclesfield, making only one league appearance as a late substitute on 5 May 2007.

3.2. Milton Keynes Dons

On 25 June 2007, Ince was unveiled as the new manager of Milton Keynes Dons, bringing in Ray Mathias as his assistant and Duncan Russell as fitness coach. The Dons quickly rose to the top of their division in September 2007. During this period, Ince denied rumors linking him to managerial vacancies at Premier League clubs like Wigan Athletic and Derby County, as well as Championship side Norwich City.

Ince's successful leadership at MK Dons was recognized with multiple individual accolades, as he was named League Two Manager of the Month in October and December 2007, and again in April 2008. His first silverware as a manager came on 30 March 2008, when MK Dons defeated Grimsby Town 2-0 in the Football League Trophy final at Wembley Stadium. He then secured the Dons' promotion back to Football League One on 19 April after they beat Stockport County 3-2. A week later, MK Dons were crowned League Two champions after beating Bradford City 2-1.

Ince returned for a second spell as Milton Keynes Dons manager on 3 July 2009, signing a two-year deal. However, this period was less successful, with the Dons finishing in 13th place in League One. On 16 April 2010, Ince announced his decision to leave the club a year early, at the end of the 2009-10 season.

3.3. Blackburn Rovers

During the close-season of 2008, speculation arose that Ince was being considered for the managerial position at Blackburn Rovers. Although Ince initially denied these rumors, the BBC reported on 19 June that he was set to be named Blackburn manager. His appointment on 22 June 2008 was a landmark moment, as he became the first black British manager in England's top division, the Premier League.

Blackburn started the 2008-09 FA Premier League season with a 3-2 victory against Everton at Goodison Park on 16 August. Ince made several summer signings, including England international goalkeeper Paul Robinson, Danny Simpson (on loan), Vince Grella, Carlos Villanueva (on loan), Robbie Fowler, Mark Bunn, and Keith Andrews, spending over 10.00 M GBP on Robinson, Grella, and Andrews.

However, Ince's tenure at Blackburn was brief. After winning just three games out of 17, he was sacked on 16 December 2008, having been in charge for only six months (177 days), making it one of the shortest reigns for a Premier League manager. Blackburn fans had been vocal in their demands for his removal, particularly following a 5-3 loss to Manchester United at Old Trafford in the League Cup on 3 December. During that match, chants of "You don't know what you're doing" and "We want Incey out" were heard from the crowd, alongside songs praising former manager Graeme Souness.

3.4. Subsequent Managerial Positions

Ince returned to management on 28 October 2010, signing a three-year deal with Notts County. However, his time there was also short-lived, as he left the club by mutual consent on 3 April 2011, after a run of five successive defeats left them in 19th place, just two points above the relegation zone.

On 18 February 2013, Blackpool appointed Ince as manager on a one-year rolling contract. He had been a regular observer of the team, for which his son Tom Ince played, for over a year. Ince's first match as Blackpool manager was a 2-0 defeat against Leeds United at Elland Road on 20 February 2013. He secured his first win on 9 March 2013, a 2-1 victory against Watford at Vicarage Road. Under Ince, Blackpool achieved their best-ever start to a league season, accumulating 16 points from a possible 18, with five wins and a draw in their first six games, following a victory at AFC Bournemouth on 14 September 2013. However, Ince was subsequently given a five-match stadium ban by The Football Association and fined 4.00 K GBP for his conduct towards a match official after the Bournemouth game, with the FA concluding his behavior constituted violent conduct. Ince left Blackpool on 21 January 2014, after less than a year in charge, becoming their fourth-shortest-serving manager in history, having won 12 out of 42 games and failing to secure a win since 30 November 2013.

On 19 February 2022, Ince and Michael Gilkes were announced as interim managers of EFL Championship side Reading. Ince's debut three days later saw the team win 2-1 at home to Birmingham City. Despite a 3-0 loss to Hull City on 23 April, Ince successfully guided Reading to safety with two games remaining, ensuring their Championship status for the 2022-23 season. In May 2022, Ince was given the manager's job on a permanent basis, with Alex Rae also receiving a permanent assistant role. However, Ince was sacked by Reading on 11 April 2023, with the club in 22nd place in the Championship and having failed to win in their previous eight games.

4.1. Family Connections

Paul Ince's son, Tom Ince, is also a professional footballer. Tom has played for the England national under-17 football team and for Paul's former club, Liverpool. On 1 November 2010, Paul arranged a two-month loan deal to bring Tom to Notts County during his managerial spell there. On 3 August 2011, Tom signed a two-year contract with Blackpool, and the two were later reunited in February 2022 when Paul became interim manager of Reading, where Tom was playing.

Ince is also the uncle of singer Rochelle Humes and a cousin to footballer Rohan Ince and Trinidadian goalkeeper Clayton Ince.

5.1. Player Awards

Manchester United

• Premier League: 1992-93, 1993-94
• FA Cup: 1989-90, 1993-94
• Football League Cup: 1991-92
• FA Charity Shield: 1990 (shared), 1993, 1994
• UEFA Cup Winners' Cup: 1990-91
• European Super Cup: 1991

Wolverhampton Wanderers

• Football League First Division play-offs: 2003

England

• Tournoi de France: 1997

Individual

• West Ham United Hammer of the Year: 1988-89
• Sir Matt Busby Player of the Year: 1992-93
• Premier League Player of the Month: October 1994
• PFA Team of the Year: 1992-93 Premier League, 1993-94 Premier League, 1994-95 Premier League
• Domestic Team of the Decade - Premier League 10 Seasons Awards (1992-93 to 2001-02)

5.2. Managerial Awards

Milton Keynes Dons

• Football League Two: 2007-08
• Football League Trophy: 2007-08

Individual

• Championship Manager of the Month: August 2013
• League Two Manager of the Month: December 2006, October 2007, December 2007, April 2008

8.1. Club

8.2. International