MK Dons want Paul Ince back after Di Matteo joins West Brom

Paul Ince will be offered a chance to turn back the clock and return to MK Dons as their new manager - after Roberto Di Matteo headed to West Brom.

Dons supremo Pete Winkelman is ready to try to persuade Ince to return to the club where he made his name before leaving for a disastrous spell at Blackburn. He is resigned to losing Di Matteo after less than a year in charge and has contacted senior Dons players to ask for their views on Ince and been given a 'yes' vote.

Ince was popular with the MKDons players, taking them to promotion and a trophy. But the main snag will be talking him into taking a backward step after his time in the Premier League.

Ince has been linked with other posts during his exile, but this will be his best chance to get back into the dugout - with his old staff mainly available if he needs them.

Mk Dons have been unable to stop Di Matteo's exit after he got the call following Alan Irvine's shock decision to snub West Brom over a proposed compensation clause.

Relegated Albion planned to name Preston boss Irvine as Tony Mowbray's successor after talks.

But the Scot refused to commit to the Baggies as they insisted on a £2million buy-out clause in the contract.

Instead, Albion chairman Jeremy Peace handed former Chelsea hero Di Matteo a 12- month rolling contract.

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