Reading boss Paul Ince admitted that it can be 'tough' at times to manage son Tom Ince, but 'enjoys' it.
Ince Sr, a highly-decorated player with Manchester United, Inter Milan and England, has been in charge of son Tom at three clubs- Notts County and Blackpool before the Royals- and even had a spell living with him this year.
Always an intruiging dynamic for outsiders, the two sat down on Sky Sports and discussed the relationship ahead of the 2-1 defeat to Preston.
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â Sky Sports Football (@SkyFootball) November 4, 2022
Paul and Tom Ince take on the ULTIMATE Father-Son football quiz! đ pic.twitter.com/hE4LkQjNv1
"Itâs something I enjoy," said father, Paul. "It was tough at times because when you manage your son, everyone expects you to pick him. If he wasnât playing well, he knows he wouldnât be in the side. You have to earn the right to be in my team, whether youâre my son or not. Heâs a top player and heâs playing on merit. As soon as we walk through those gates, youâre a player like everyone else. When you get out of those gates, youâre my son. Weâve always lived by that rule, and itâs worked pretty well."
Ince Jr has been the stand-out for Reading so far, with four goals and three assists to his name so far this season.
First working together at Meadow Lane, with Tom still only a teenager, the winger underlined the fact that he still has to earn his place in the team.
"The difficult one was Notts County because I was such a young age. A lot of people said oh well heâs just brought his son in. It was down to me to showcase my ability and skill, which has earnt me the right to be here. He treats me no different to anyone else, if not harder, and itâs probably the best way to be. Although football is our life, weâre family."
Returning to former club, Hull City, on Saturday- Ince will be looking to score on the road for the fourth time.
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