Source: Telegraph
Blackburn reprieve for Paul Ince as he stays in charge for Stoke City clash
Ince, appointed as successor to Mark Hughes in July, is now under intense pressure after Saturday's 3-0 defeat at Wigan.[LNB]The manner of that defeat, Blackburn's sixth successive Premier League loss, has resulted in fierce criticism from chairman John Williams and Ince is understood to be aware that only three points against Tony Pulis' team can prevent his dismissal – and even a win might yet prove insufficient to stave off the sack.[LNB]The absence of an obvious caretaker-manager behind the scenes at Blackburn is one of the factors behind the club's failure so far to remove Ince. Tony Parkes, who filled the caretaker role on no fewer than four occasions, is now assisting Simon Grayson at Blackpool having been released by Hughes four years ago.[LNB]A calm and considered chairman, Williams, who spent yesterday in a series of meetings, can proudly point to not having sacked a manager since assuming executive powers following the death, in August 2000, of Jack Walker, whose legendary impatience accounted for Ray Harford, Roy Hodgson and Brian Kidd.[LNB]But an uncharacteristically blunt appraisal by Williams of Blackburn's surrender at Wigan has left little doubt as to Ince's prospects if such a display is repeated against Stoke.[LNB]Williams said: "I am naturally disappointed after that defeat. After all the signs coming out of the club last week, I was led to believe we would get a top performance but, without taking anything away from Wigan, I have to say I was very disappointed with what I saw.[LNB]"For the first time out there, there was something really missing and there was never that feeling we would get something out of the game. The worry is that the league table is beginning to stretch out and we now need two wins just to get back among the pack at the bottom. One bit of good news from the game was to see David Dunn breathe fresh ideas into the team and he will play a major role in our recovery. I hope the second bit of good news is that there are still plenty of games left, although time is obviously running away."[LNB]With Sam Allardyce making it clear Sunderland is a more appealing option, and a lack of enthusiasm among the board for Alan Curbishley, Williams is surveying a fallow field of candidates to replace Ince, with Graeme Souness and Roberto Mancini possible contenders.[LNB]Meanwhile Director of sport Chris Turner has been put in temporary charge of first-team duties at League One side Hartlepool after manager Danny Wilson was dismissed yesterday. [LNB]
