Paul Ince will learn today if is to be sacked by Blackburn Rovers.

The Times says Ince will discover whether he will be sacked or granted a stay of execution when he returns from two days off today.

John Williams, the Blackburn chairman, spent most of yesterday in talks with his fellow directors and could dispense with Ince's services this morning, even though the manager is hopeful of being in charge for the Barclays Premier League game at home to Stoke City on Saturday.

Some of Blackburn's directors were dismayed that Ince allowed his players to fly to Dublin after the Wigan defeat on Saturday for a Christmas party and wanted the manager out last week, while Williams claimed that the manner of the loss on Saturday was especially troubling.

"It was not the first time we have gone behind in games, but at least before we have shown spirit in trying to come back," he said. "For the first time out there, there was something really missing and there was never that feeling we would get something out of the game."