Paul Ince, the former Manchester United and England midfielder, has been charged with drink driving following a collision involving his Range Rover in Cheshire on Saturday evening. The 57-year-old ex-footballer crashed his vehicle into the central reservation on Chester High Road in Neston at around 5pm, according to Cheshire Police.
Officers were called to the scene after reports of the accident and subsequently arrested Ince. A police spokesperson confirmed: "At around 5pm on Saturday 28 June, police were called following reports of a collision on Chester High Road, Neston. The incident involved a black Range Rover which had collided with the central reservation barrier. Officers attended the scene and arrested a 57-year-old man. Paul Ince, of Quarry Road, Neston, has since been charged with drink driving." Ince has been bailed to appear at Chester Magistrates' Court on Friday, July 18, 2025.
The crash took place near Heswall Golf Club, a location familiar to Ince, who has previously shared photos from there on his Instagram profile. The incident has shocked many in the football community, given Ince's storied career and respected status in English football.
Paul Ince's football journey began in earnest at West Ham United before he secured a high-profile move to Manchester United in 1989, signed by the legendary Sir Alex Ferguson. During his time at Old Trafford, Ince made over 200 appearances and enjoyed considerable success, winning two Premier League titles, two FA Cups, and the 1992 League Cup. His tenure at United marked the peak of his playing career.
In 1995, Ince moved abroad to join Inter Milan, spending two seasons in Italy before returning to England to play for Liverpool. His playing career also included spells at Middlesbrough and Wolverhampton Wanderers, where he notably helped Wolves gain promotion to the Premier League in 2003 via the play-offs. His professional playing career spanned over two decades, from 1986 to 2007.
Internationally, Ince was a trailblazer. He earned 53 caps for England and became the first black footballer to captain the national team in 1993 during a friendly against the United States, just a year after his senior debut. He captained England seven times in total and participated in major tournaments, including Euro 1996, the 1998 World Cup in France, and Euro 2000. His only two international goals came in a memorable 7-1 victory over San Marino during the 1994 World Cup qualifying campaign.
After retiring from playing, Ince transitioned into management. His managerial career has seen him take charge of several clubs, including Macclesfield Town, MK Dons, Blackburn Rovers, Notts County, Blackpool, and most recently Reading. He managed Reading between 2022 and 2023 before departing after a difficult run that saw the club fall to 22nd in the Championship and endure an eight-match winless streak. Since leaving Reading, Ince has remained unattached to any club.
Beyond management, Ince has maintained a presence in football media, frequently appearing as a pundit on outlets such as Sky Sports. He often shares insights on Premier League football and his former team, Manchester United. His connection to the game continues through his son, Tom Ince, who currently plays as a winger for Watford and previously played under his father's management at Reading.
The drink driving charge and crash have cast a shadow over Ince's otherwise respected football legacy. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the dangers of drink driving and the consequences that can follow, regardless of one's status or accomplishments.
As Ince awaits his court appearance on July 18, the football community and fans alike will be watching closely. The former England captain's career has been marked by groundbreaking achievements and leadership, and this recent event adds a complex chapter to his story.
Cheshire Police continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the crash, but no further details have been released at this time. Ince has not publicly commented on the incident.
