Mathias Up For The Challenge

New Blackburn Rovers assistant manager Ray Mathias is looking forward to working with the club in the Premier League.

Mathias was appointed as Paul Ince's right hand man at the end of last week, joining forces with him once again, having worked as his number two at Milton Keynes Dons also as well as Macclesfield Town before that. It is another step up the League ladder for Mathias (as it was Ince) but he is looking forward to the challenge and feels he is more than up for it.

Mathias told the Lancashire Telegraph: "I have worked with international players before.

"But they were no different to the rest of the lads. All players need to be treated properly and looked after, regardless of whether they are internationals or not.

"Sometimes fans put footballers on a pedestal but they are normal people and want to be treated as normal people.

"If you can give players belief and encouragement you invariably get the best out of them."

He might not have been the biggest name in football as a professional, but Incey certainly has faith in him as this is the third time he has asked him to work alongside him now, so much the same as Incey is concerned if he is good enough for John Williams and Mathias is good enough for Incey its good enough for me!!!

Mathias has great faith in his own ability, and although he concedes that he didn't expect the chance to work in the Premier League to come along he can do it.

He added: "The longer you go on, the more you start to think the opportunity to work at the top may have passed you by.

"I have always had confidence in my own ability but sometimes things just don't happen for you.

"However, I am here now and really looking forward to the challenge."

Its time to get FULLY behind Paul Ince and Ray Mathias, if you are not already?

Meanwhile John Williams has revealed that the vastly experienced Archie Knox could be another to join the managerial set-up at Ewood.

61-year-old Knox is known to Incey from his time as a player at Manchester United and Knox's as part of the Old Trafford coaching set-up so his experience could prove priceless?

Williams told the Lancashire Telegraph: "He (Knox) is certainly someone who Paul is considering joining the coaching staff, but it is not a done deal by any means.


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