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Chris Powell disputes racism claims
By Andrew Sleight
Last Updated: 1:58AM BST 03 Aug 2007
Premiership Transfer Talk In pics: Summer transfers Football fans' forum Chris Powell has dismissed talk of institutional racism in English football, but admits he would like to see more black faces in positions of responsibility.
Powell, 37, has been appointed player-coach at Charlton Athletic, where he spent the majority of his career and won five England caps.
Powell, who was at Watford last season and is also chairman of the PFA's management committee, was responding to comments made by new MK Dons manager Paul Ince.
Former Manchester United midfielder Ince claims some players have been denied opportunities to coach in the top two tiers of the game because of the colour of their skin. But Powell is optimistic that the climate is changing and that his appointment could help to prompt a new wave of black coaches.
He said: "People have claimed that the game is institutionally racist - I can't say that because a chairman or director has never turned around to me and said that to me. But I'm in a position where my chairman and manager are very receptive to the idea of me becoming a coach, so that is a great opportunity for me.
"That may encourage other clubs to think that it doesn't matter if you are black or white, it's all about the job they can do. I just hope we soon get more black faces on the sidelines."
Powell has been handed his chance by Charlton manager Alan Pardew, who said: "The promotion of black coaches is very important in my view. I don't think the ratio is right or reflects well on the game. I want to make a statement to encourage that. Without a shadow of a doubt I think Chris will become a manager one day."
As he starts his first coaching job, Powell admits he feels a responsibility to help promote the presence of black coaches in English football and is aiming to act as a role model. He added: "When my late father first came over from Jamaica, he supported West Ham because they had Clyde Best and he was a player he could hang his hat on.
"The growth of the number of black players in the English game since then has been immense but it hasn't been reflected off the field, whether in the administrative side, in organisations such as the FA, or the coaching side.
"It's an issue that has to be talked about. There are no role models. As a young player, there were black players I could look up to and say to myself: 'If they can do it, why can't I?' But the same isn't true with coaches.
"Maybe the opportunities haven't been there from chairmen or directors. I can name all the black managers in English football on the fingers of one hand, so the time is right for people like me to break through."
By Andrew Sleight
Last Updated: 1:58AM BST 03 Aug 2007
Premiership Transfer Talk In pics: Summer transfers Football fans' forum Chris Powell has dismissed talk of institutional racism in English football, but admits he would like to see more black faces in positions of responsibility.
Powell, 37, has been appointed player-coach at Charlton Athletic, where he spent the majority of his career and won five England caps.
Powell, who was at Watford last season and is also chairman of the PFA's management committee, was responding to comments made by new MK Dons manager Paul Ince.
Former Manchester United midfielder Ince claims some players have been denied opportunities to coach in the top two tiers of the game because of the colour of their skin. But Powell is optimistic that the climate is changing and that his appointment could help to prompt a new wave of black coaches.
He said: "People have claimed that the game is institutionally racist - I can't say that because a chairman or director has never turned around to me and said that to me. But I'm in a position where my chairman and manager are very receptive to the idea of me becoming a coach, so that is a great opportunity for me.
"That may encourage other clubs to think that it doesn't matter if you are black or white, it's all about the job they can do. I just hope we soon get more black faces on the sidelines."
Powell has been handed his chance by Charlton manager Alan Pardew, who said: "The promotion of black coaches is very important in my view. I don't think the ratio is right or reflects well on the game. I want to make a statement to encourage that. Without a shadow of a doubt I think Chris will become a manager one day."
As he starts his first coaching job, Powell admits he feels a responsibility to help promote the presence of black coaches in English football and is aiming to act as a role model. He added: "When my late father first came over from Jamaica, he supported West Ham because they had Clyde Best and he was a player he could hang his hat on.
"The growth of the number of black players in the English game since then has been immense but it hasn't been reflected off the field, whether in the administrative side, in organisations such as the FA, or the coaching side.
"It's an issue that has to be talked about. There are no role models. As a young player, there were black players I could look up to and say to myself: 'If they can do it, why can't I?' But the same isn't true with coaches.
"Maybe the opportunities haven't been there from chairmen or directors. I can name all the black managers in English football on the fingers of one hand, so the time is right for people like me to break through."