Paul Ince looks set to be installed as Blackburn's next manager after the Premier League gave the green light for his appointment.
It is understood the Premier League board ratified the appointment on the basis that the 40-year-old gains his UEFA Pro Licence within the next two years.
The decision removes the last remaining obstacle in the way of Blackburn offering the job to the current MK Dons manager, who is viewed as one of the most promising young English managers in the game.
It also means that Michael Laudrup, the former Denmark international who was second-favourite behind Ince, is set to be disappointed.
Rovers were informed of the Premier League's decision in writing on Friday, but were told the agreement was only given on the basis that the club guarantees Ince gets his qualifications within the two-year period.
The decision was made that much easier by the League Managers' Association (LMA) saying they would have no objections were he to be offered the job.
Young English managers are in such short supply in the top flight of English football that LMA chief executive Richard Bevan said the organisation would actively support Ince were he to be appointed.
Former Bolton and Newcastle boss Sam Allardyce has withdrawn from the race, but he only had an outside chance at best.
Laudrup had emerged as a rival candidate after the former coach of Primera Liga side Getafe was interviewed by Rovers chairman John Williams in Zurich earlier this week.
Laudrup's agent Bayram Tutumlu said afterwards the Dane had been very impressed by Williams.
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Comment 1 - 5 of 5
i find all ur comments rather rascist. Gary Southgate is coaching Middlesborough, Vialli once did the same at Chelsea, and Roy Keane at Sunderland. All the above moved from been players directly into their jobs. Ince has captained Man U and played in the world cup and played with distinction outside England. Ince deserves respect and encouragement and not abuse or derison. DY.Nigeria
How on earth will he be sacked? Remember the last two appointments we've not got them wrong. Good on ya Mr Williams!
Paul Ince was a great player, Inter Milan Love Him, first black England captain? (im not sure). He will do well at Blackburn the players will know what he achieved as a player and his determination to do things how he wants as soon as they win a few games the confidence will grow . I dont see many black managers in the premier league, this will be a welcome change to see the tactics he uses with no experience of managing in topflight football. If Ince does great things at Blackburn who knows he might replace fergie or mourinho although that seems far fetched if he was to win a couple of trophies in 3 years u never know.
Paul Ince and his backroom team have not got the experience of managing a premiership club. It is a lot different from managing in the lower leagues.Paul Ince said only recently that he still has a lot of work to do at Mk dons, and now he is walking out on them, it is all down to money, he has only used "MK" as a stepping stone to make a name for himself. I for one hope that this move is a big big mistake and that he gets sacked,because he will not achieve anything at Blackburn, he is not good enough in the "top flight".
Paul Ince will not last two years so he does not have to worry about getting UEFA Pro Licence within 2 years because he will be sacked...
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