Paul Ince targets survival at Blackpool

Ince joins son Tom at Bloomfield Road

Tom Ince (GETTY IMAGES)

Paul Ince insists securing npower Championship survival will be his primary target after being confirmed as Blackpool's new manager.

Last season's beaten play-off finalists won three out of three at the start of the current campaign to establish themselves as the early pacesetters, only for patchy form thereafter and the managerial departures of Ian Holloway and Michael Appleton to all but end their promotion ambitions.

The Seasiders lie 14th in the table ahead of the midweek fixtures, 10 points shy of the play-off places and six above the relegation zone, with Ince more interested in the latter statistic.

He told Sky Sports News: "To be fair we're not going to catch (Championship leaders) Cardiff, but what we do know is that in the short-term we've got to try and get as many points as we can.

"Once we get to 50, 52 points and get that safety net then we can start looking upwards.

"We're under no illusions about how tough this job is going to be but we have got fantastic spirit, fantastic fans and great prospects going forward."

Ince agreed a one-year rolling contract at Bloomfield Road in line with the established policy of chairman Karl Oyston.

This approach became a increased source of friction between Oyston and Holloway towards the end of the outspoken Bristolian's tenure, but Ince is unconcerned by such details at present.

"Sometimes today it doesn't really matter how long the contract is for, it can be six, seven years but if you're not getting the job done you're not going to keep it," said the 45-year-old former England midfielder, who is back in management for the first time since leaving Notts County by mutual consent in April 2011.

"The terms of the contract are not really important to me. What is important is getting back into football at Blackpool and taking this club forward."

The main source of intrigue surround Ince's appointment his son Tom's status as Blackpool's star player.

Liverpool and Reading both tabled bids during the January transfer window for the highly-rated England Under-21 winger, who has 17 goals in 33 appearances this season.

"I'll always do what's best for Thomas in football, as I will for any other player at Blackpool," Ince Snr added.

"His contract does end at the end of the season, we do have an option on him and I'll have to discuss it with his mum as to whether we can take that up."

PA