Former England star Paul Ince on Sunday became the first black English manager in the Premier League after he was appointed Blackburn Rovers boss.
Ince — who will be officially unveiled today — has signed a three-year deal with the Ewood club and replaces Mark Hughes, who earlier this month left for Manchester City.
Ince is considered one of the most promising young managers in England, after he led MK Dons to League One promotion this season and won the Johnstone’s Paint Trophy at Wembley.
“Milton Keynes Dons FC can confirm the departure of its manager Paul Ince to take up the vacant position at Blackburn Rovers,” a Dons club statement said on Sunday. “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 to work in the greatest league in the world. We know everybody in Milton Keynes will join us in wishing him every continued success in what is certain to be a fantastic managerial career.”
Steve McClaren, Sam Allardyce and Michael Laudrup had all been linked with the vacant Rovers post.
The announcement comes 24 hours after the English Premier League gave the appointment the green light, after it had earlier emerged that Ince did not have the requisite coaching qualifications.
The League have stipulated that the former West Ham United, Manchester United, Inter Milan and Liverpool midfielder must get his UEFA Pro Coaching License within two years.
Ince will now pit his wits against former boss Sir Alex Ferguson, joining an expanding group of United alumni in England’s top flight, including Hughes, Steve Bruce (Wigan) and Roy Keane (Sunderland).
US track and field athletes have about four dozen pieces to choose from when assembling their uniforms at the Olympics. The one grabbing the most attention is a high-cut leotard that barely covers the bikini line and has triggered debate between those who think it is sexist and others who say they do not need the Internet to make sure they have good uniforms. Among those critical or laughing at the uniforms included Paralympian Femita Ayanbeku, sprinter Britton Wilson and even athletes from other countries such as Britain’s Abigail Irozuru, who wrote on social media: “Was ANY female athlete consulted in
Four-time NBA all-star DeMarcus Cousins arrived in Taiwan with his family early yesterday to finish his renewed contract with the Taiwan Beer Leopards in the T1 League. Cousins initially played a four-game contract with the Leopards in January. On March 18, the Taoyuan-based team announced that Cousins had renewed his contract. “Hi what’s up Leopard fans, I’m back. I’m excited to be back and can’t wait to join the team,” Cousins said in a video posted on the Leopard’s Facebook page. “Most of all, can’t wait to see you guys, the fans, next weekend. So make sure you come out and support the Beer
Former US Masters champion Zach Johnson was left embarrassed after a foul-mouthed response to ironic cheers from spectators after a triple bogey at Augusta National on Friday. Johnson, the 2007 Masters winner, missed the cut after his three-over-par round of 75 left him on seven-over 151 for 36 holes, his six on the par-three 12th playing a big role in his downfall. Television footage showed Johnson reacting to sarcastic cheers and applause when he tapped in for the triple bogey by yelling: “Oh fuck off.” Such a response would be considered bad form in any golf tournament, but is particularly out of keeping
The sacred flame for the Paris Olympics was lit yesterday in Olympia, Greece, the birthplace of the ancient Games, in a ceremony inspired by antiquity and marked by messages of hope amid multiple global crises. “In ancient times, the Olympic Games brought together the Greek city states, even — and in particular — during times of war and conflict,” International Olympic Committee president Thomas Bach said. “Today, the Olympic Games are the only event that brings the entire world together in peaceful competition. Then as now, the Olympic athletes are sending this powerful message — yes, it is possible to compete fiercely