Dons realistic over Ince
23 Jun 2008 - 07:44:33
MK Dons have revealed they allowed manager Paul Ince to join Blackburn Rovers as they feared it would be an 'impossible challenge' to keep him at the club.
Ince was confirmed in the Ewood Park hot-seat on Sunday after just one season with the Dons in which he secured the League Two title and the Johnstone's Paint Trophy.
Dons chairman Pete Winkelman had vowed to do all he could to keep the at his club, but the lure of the Premier League proved too much for Ince to resist.
"The club had a tremendous season under Paul's guidance, winning promotion via the League Two title and the Johnstone's Paint Trophy at Wembley," read a club statement.
"We were aware that a number of clubs would be alerted to Paul's considerable talents and that retaining his services might prove an impossible challenge.
"After what he has achieved in his time with the club, we cannot deny Paul the deserved opportunity and we know everybody in Milton Keynes will join us in wishing him continued success in what is certain to be a fantastic managerial career."