Paul Ince hasn’t lost any of his enthusiasm for a career in management.

Out of work since he left Notts County in 2011, the former Macclesfield, MK Dons and Blackburn Rovers boss attended part one of the UEFA Pro Licence last week and is ready for another management opportunity. 

Ince said: “As a manager you always want to better yourself and you want to be prepared for whenever the next opportunity comes along.  This course allows you to be prepared and to think outside of the box."

The former Manchester United, Inter Milan and Liverpool midfielder, who played 53 times for England, joined 21 other candidates for the prestigious coaching course held for the first time at St. George’s Park.

The three-day introduction to the course included presentations on leadership, learning and a practical coaching session from England manager Roy Hodgson.

However, it was the non-football performance of former SAS soldier Floyd Woodrow which made a big impression on the former England captain.

Ince added: “When he [Floyd] walked in he just had this presence about him.

"Most of [his speech] was about the unity, the togetherness and the spirit and the trust. You have to stick together, sing from the same hymn sheet, because if you don’t it’ll all fall to pieces.

Although the UEFA Pro Licence syllabus includes practical coaching elements the focus is very much on the complexities of modern football management, much of which is off the field.

Ince said: “The Pro Licence is the one [course] I wanted to get onto. It’s about dealing with the board, media and all things that a manager has to do. It’s a great course.”

Visit TheFA.com/SGP later in the week to hear Ince’s views on Manchester United, Sir Alex Ferguson and how those who have played at Old Trafford are given an excellent grounding for management.

Read the thoughts of UEFA Pro Licence tutor Alistair Smith here