Debate: were Blackburn right to sack Ince? I Souness leads contenders to replace Ince I Garner: Blackburn right to sack Ince I

The decision to sack Paul Ince after 17 matches in charge of Blackburn Rovers has prompted a mixed reaction from the football world. Simon Garner, Blackburn's record scorer, believes the directors acted "admirably" in the timing of Ince's dismissal.

"The transfer window is coming up and you can see why they have done it," he said. "They want to get someone in place to say which players have got to go and which ones have to come in."

"Results have gone badly and the board have acted quickly. You have got to admire them for trying to get it sorted out and keep Blackburn in the Premier League. It is a results business, especially in the Premier League. You have got to stay in that division."

However, Nigel Winterburn, Blackburn's part-time defensive coach, says Ince should have been given more time to turn things around.

"I would have loved for him to be given time in the transfer window in January to bring in his own players," he said. "I'm positive that he would have seen results improve but the board have decided that isn't the case.

"I think people were starting to panic. The results have not picked up and they've decided they need someone else in place to drive the club forward."

The former Arsenal left-back is now unsure of his future at the club, having been brought in by Ince.

"I'm waiting to hear whether or not they want me to carry on," he added. "When I signed I told them that if things changed I'd be happy to rip up my contract and walk away."

Tony Gale, the former Blackburn defender, agreed that the club panicked and sacked Ince before time.

"It's far too early," he said. "I just think if you appoint these people, especially the young managers, you've got to stick with them or you are going to kill them, absolutely kill them.

"You've got to give them a chance I don't think it's much of a chance, 17 games. For me, Paul Ince didn't deserve to go. You've got to give a young manager a chance."