If Up, Then Out

Paul Ince could battle on beyond the end of the season if Wolves fail to secure promotion to the Barclays Premiership.

The former England international, who will turn 38 in October, plans to retire on a high by driving the Molineux club back to the top of the English game.

But he does not intend to hang up his boots if Wolves fail to live up to their reputation as favourites for one of the three promotion spots.

"I did say that I'd retire if we get promoted because I couldn't play in the Premiership again but I didn't say what would happen if that doesn't come off," he said.

Wolves open their campaign with a tough fixture - a trip to Southampton, one of three teams who have dropped into the Football League - but Ince is relishing the start of his 20th season as a professional.

After a career which pre-dates the huge influx of money into football following the inception of the Premiership, he admits it is not the same game as the one he started in at West Ham in 1986.

But the former Manchester United, Inter Milan and Liverpool midfielder has no plans to leave football behind.

"I've been playing the game for over 20 years and things have changed a lot in that time," he said.

"One of the biggest things is the respect for the senior players isn't there so much now.

"But it's the game that I love and I don't want to be away from that. I'd certainly like to give management a try but who knows what will happen."

After the three relegated teams, Wolves are rated as the club most likely to succeed in the Coca-Cola Championship.