Winterburn given Blackburn role

Winterburn finished his playing career at West Ham

Former Arsenal full-back Nigel Winterburn is to join manager Paul Ince's backroom team at Blackburn to work as defensive coach.

The 44-year-old will travel with Rovers to their pre-season training camp in Germany on Wednesday.

After retiring in 2003, Winterburn has been working in the media.

Rovers chairman John Williams said: "Pulling together a new backroom team with the right balance of skills, experience and ideas is important."

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Winterburn's most successful years were spent with the Gunners and he was part of the Arsenal back four that claimed league titles in 1989, 1991 and 1998 and a host of cup successes.

His last club as a player was West Ham, who released him after their relegation from the top flight in 2003.