Ince backing for Rooney Rule

Posted Thursday, September 22, 2011 by teamtalk.com

Ince backing for Rooney Rule
Ince: Wants to see more black managers

Former Blackburn manager Paul Ince is hoping those keen to introduce the 'Rooney Rule' into English football are ultimately successful.

There are only two black managers in the English League - Birmingham boss Chris Hughton and Chris Powell at Charlton - and there have been calls for the game to mirror the NFL's approach by insisting clubs shortlist at least one ethnic minority candidate when interviewing potential managers.

And Ince, who as well as Blackburn has managed Macclesfield, MK Dons and Notts County after a glittering playing career in which he won 53 England caps, thinks the campaign has plenty of merit.

Speaking on Sky Sports News Radio he said: "I think it's something we need to really look at. It is an issue. We're in the 21st Century and we're talking about the lack of black managers.

"I hope it's not one of those things where we mention it and nothing gets done. Hopefully something will be done about it."

But Ince insists it's not just a matter for the authorities to look at.

He added: "We as black people, black players and black managers have to make sure we do what we need to do - our coaching badges.

"At the moment there's only three of us and there's no point having a Rooney Rule if there's only three black managers.

"What we've got to do is make sure the black players coming out of football and finishing their careers - the likes of Sol Campbell, Andy Cole and Rio Ferdinand - feel they can progress to the next level and be a manager or a coach.

"If they feel they can't get through the door and get their ideas to owners then we're just going to lose them to the game. So there is some grounds for us to look at this issue.

"I spoke to John Barnes a couple of months ago - he can't even get through the door and get an interview and that can't be right for football."

Ince is happy to be seen as a mentor to young black coaches in the same way the late Keith Alexander inspired him to go into management.

He said: "I was one of those who really looked up to Keith. He did ever so well and maybe he should have worked at a higher level.

"If they see people like myself, Chris Powell and Chris Hughton be successful it might be a wake-up call for other owners to see black managers can be successful."

But he is more than aware it's not just down to black players and managers.

Ince said: "It can't just come from us. It's got to be everyone - the FA, the Premier League and not just black people voicing their opinion on this. White managers, white players because that's the only way we're going to get this done."