Ince’s managerial career about to contract a deadly virus: statistics

The Spoiler is very much an admirer of Paul Ince and believes that a great deal of silverware lies in his future. His fondness for pale grey suits might not do him any favours and most schoolchildren can knot a tie more elegantly than he can, but more importantly, this is a manager any club ought to consider themselves fortunate to have in their employ, given his drive and potential.

However, the Guardian yesterday unearthed a statistic that will be jangling like a fire alarm in the Blackburn boardroom and will strike terror into the heart of the beleaguered Ince:

“Of the eight clubs that went nine or more league games without a win last season, five replaced their manager and avoided relegation: Newcastle, Fulham, Tottenham, Wigan and Bolton. Of the three who showed faith in their managers, two went down. Gareth Southgate, under the wsie counsel of Steve Gibson at Middlesbrough was the exception as Paul Jewell andSteve Coppell were relegated with Derby County and Reading respectively.”

Best of luck, Paul Ince, but before you go, could you please tell us who these people are who are out to get you?