Is Paul Ince ruthless enough?

Filed in archive Managers on July 2, 2008

Blackburn manager Paul Ince has agreed to release Ryan Nelson to play as an overage player for New Zealand in the Olympics in August. This is a great gesture by the new boss but is likely to be met with some concern by some Blackburn fans.

Obviously the chance to represent your country at the Olympic Games doesn't come around very often and I am sure that Nelson is absolutely thrilled to be given the opportunity. It is right and proper that his new manager has allowed him to go.

The only reason I say that the decision may be met with some concern is because the Premier League is a ruthless uncaring league where club success counts above everything at any cost. The clubs at the top are absolutely clear with where they stand in the club v country row and are prepared to bend the rules to ensure that that they have their players available at all times.

I couldn't see Ferguson, Wenger or Benitez releasing a player in these circumstances and indeed all three have had very unlucky players playing for them who are often unavailable through injury for international matches!

Whilst I think Paul Ince has made the right decision I wonder if this is an indication that he might have the toughness or ruthlessness required to make it as a manager at the very top level. It will be interesting to see if he would make the same decision in twelve months time. I hope he would.