Blackburn Rovers Football Club News

• Nickname:Rovers
• Founded:1875
• Manager:Steve Kean

• Ground:Ewood Park
• Capacity:31,367

Ince firm over Santa Cruz

25 Jun 2008 - 08:01:31

Click To Enlarge

New Blackburn Rovers boss Paul Ince has warned Sir Alex Ferguson that he has no intention of allowing Roque Santa Cruz to join Manchester United.

The Paraguay striker has been an instant hit at Ewood Park after scoring 23 times in all competitions during his debut season in England.

Santa Cruz's goalscoring exploits have led to suggestions that the Red Devils are keen to sign him, but a determined Ince has no intention of selling the former Bayern Munich striker.

Ince spent six seasons under Ferguson as a player with the Old Trafford club.

"If he comes on asking about Santa Cruz then I'll just tell him he's not having him," he said.

"I had a text off Sir Alex to say 'congratulations, well done', as I've had off numerous people.

"But I'm under no illusions, I'm the enemy now."

Meanwhile, Rovers chairman John Williams has pledged to back Ince and keep their best players at the club.

Alongside the coveted Santa Cruz, England international David Bentley has already admitted he is looking to move on this summer.

"We support our managers to the extent we can in this modern era," said Williams.

"We are not one of the league's big spenders. We have to get great value for our pound.

"But we will spend every penny we have and some pennies we haven't got to support the manager."