Debut

Debut. One out, another in – even before the old greatness exits. Platini was still playing when Paul Ince made his debut in the 1986-87 season.
Born in 1967, the midfielder debuted for the club he was the product of – West Ham United. It was natural – his talent was already noticed during his progress in the youth system of ‘the Hammers’, so barely 20-years old it was time to start playing professionally. A great talent, but also a talent of the current times and their understanding and demands. If Platini debuted 18-years old and even that was a bit late, for he came to professional club from a smaller one, Ince was thought still too young and fragile at 20 – that was the difference between 1972 and 1986. Careful with the youngsters – they were not ready for professional clash with full grown men and may burn out. Too young to trust them, but then if not playing them, they will never be ready and burn out by inaction. 20 years seems agreeable risk, 18 – not at all. Unlike Platini Ince was physically strong and fit, a born fighter. The rest was also different – Ince was a product of the 1980s football – hard worker, a team player, good overall, but not exceptionally skillful and imaginative. Not a free artist, surely. Of course, all that was not immediately clear or even important – at the time, he was just a youngster who made his strong debut. He was ‘the Gov’ner’ yet, that came years later, but his debut was fine, thus an important stepping stone not just for his own career.
Trademark gestures and success will come soon, though. Paul Ince debuted on November 30th, 1986 against Newcastle United. West Ham lost 0-4… hardly the day to remember.