Archie Knox joins Blackburn Rovers as coach

11:42am Friday 4th July 2008

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PAUL Ince has secured his first major signing of the summer after striking a deal with Archie Knox.

The former Scotland and Manchester United coach has agreed to become part of Ince’s new-look backroom team, after accepting the post of first-team coach.

And Ince is also hoping to put another piece in the jigsaw by appointing an experienced goalkeeping coach in time for the start of pre-season training on Monday.

Confirming Knox’s appoint-ment, chairman John Williams, who met with Ince yesterday to discuss a variety of issues, including a list of transfer targets, said: “We are delighted to welcome Archie on board.

“Paul made it clear from the outset he wanted an experienced coach to work alongside him, and there aren’t many people out there with a better CV than Archie’s.

“He’s worked at the top level for most of his career, and we believe we now have the perfect blend of youth and experience within our new-look managerial team.”

Knox boasts a wealth of experience north and south of the border, having worked in the top divisions in both England and Scotland.

He first made his name as Sir Alex Ferguson’s number two at Aberdeen, where they led the Dons to glory in the Cup Winners’ Cup in 1983.

Since then, 61-year-old Knox has also worked with Ferguson at United, and was part of the FROM BACK PAGE Scotland set-up under Craig Brown.

Last season, he helped Gary Megson save Bolton Wanderers from relegation to the Championship, but then left the Reebok in May.

Ince was also due to speak with an experienced goalkeeping coach today, with a view to him replacing Kevin Hitchcock, who followed Mark Hughes to Manchester City.

The newly-installed Rovers chief also instructed Williams to pursue a number of transfer targets during yesterday’s meeting.

“It was a constructive session and I’ll now be discreetly pursuing a number of transfer targets,” added the Rovers chairman.