Newcastle United midfielder Nicky Butt has hit out at the sacking of Paul Ince by Blackburn Rovers.

He said: "I really can't understand why a club go in one direction and then do a total U-turn in such a short space of time.

"Paul snapped up the chance to move to the Premier League when the offer came.

"But what has happened to him will make people think: 'Do I really need to do it, do I need to get all the hassle and be fobbed off after 17 games and not be given a chance?'

"I don't know what has gone on inside the club but it does look very odd. They have not given a young manager a chance to stamp his authority and do well by sacking him in such a short space of time.

"It sends out a bad vibe to other players who want to try and make it as a manager."