Paul Ince, once a fierce leader on the pitch and a household name in English football, has now made headlines for all the wrong reasons.
The 57-year-old former England captain has been banned from driving for 12 months after admitting to drink driving.
Crash on a Quiet Cheshire Road
The incident happened last month on a Saturday evening in Cheshire, when Ince’s black Range Rover collided with the central reservation on Chester High Road in Neston.
The crash, which occurred around 5pm on June 28, prompted calls to local authorities.
When officers arrived at the scene, they arrested Ince on the spot.
A spokesperson for Cheshire Police later confirmed the details: “The incident involved a black Range Rover which had collided with the central reservation barrier.
Officers attended the scene and arrested a 57-year-old man.”
Court Appearance and £7,000 Fine
Ince appeared in Chester Magistrates’ Court on Thursday, where he pled guilty to the drink-driving charge.
The court handed down a 12-month driving ban along with a financial penalty of £7,085.
Despite the seriousness of the charge, Ince didn’t appear too fazed as he arrived at court.
He even smiled for waiting photographers and paused to take selfies with fans before heading inside.
A Storied Football Career with a Historic Legacy
Paul Ince isn’t just known for his managerial stints or punditry work—he holds a historic place in English football history.
He was the first Black player to captain the England national team, earning 53 caps for his country.
One of his most memorable moments came during a gritty goalless draw against Italy in 1997—a performance that helped secure England’s spot at the 1998 World Cup under Glenn Hoddle.
From the Premier League to Serie A
Ince began his career at West Ham United, rising through the ranks before a high-profile move to Manchester United in 1989.
His six years at Old Trafford were packed with silverware, including two Premier League titles, two FA Cups, and a League Cup.
After his United days, he headed abroad to play for Inter Milan, before returning to England to don the red of Liverpool—United’s biggest rivals.
He also played for Middlesbrough and Wolverhampton Wanderers before eventually retiring.
A Managerial Career That Took Him Across England
Following his retirement from playing, Ince moved into management.
He had early success at clubs like Macclesfield Town and MK Dons and went on to manage Blackburn Rovers, Notts County, and Blackpool.
His most recent role was as Reading FC manager, a position he left in 2023.
