Is It Time To Implement The Rooney Rule In British Football?

Chris Powell Manager of Charlton Athletic

As one surveys the English Football League what becomes painfully obvious is the chronic absence of black managers within the top four divisions.

Norwich City’s Chris Hughton, Charlton Athletic’s Chris Powell and Paul Ince at Blackpool are the exception, across all 92 professional clubs. In the light that 25 per cent of the English game’s 4,500 professional players are from ethnic minorities, it makes grim statistics, if you are a retired black player contemplating a career in football management.

There has been much naval gazing about whether English Football should adopt the Rooney Rule to remedy this imbalance. This concept, pioneered across the Atlantic in American National Football League (NFL), compels teams in the NFL to interview at least one black or ethnic minority for head coach positions within the game. It’s no surprise to many that since the Rooney Rule was established in 2003 - the number of black coaches within the NFL has more than doubled.

I am sure it is not beyond the wit of the FA and the Football League to adopt a similar approach tailored to fit our national sport. Critics may say this is positive discrimination or see it as mere tokenism.

However, if this doctrine were implemented, it would only guarantee an interview – an opportunity to pitch for a job. The added bonus would be that it would broaden the thought-processes of chairmen and owners of football clubs to look beyond the same old faces who are on the managerial merry-go-round. It’s about time that we shatter this cartel and open up managerial opportunities for all rather than the chosen few.

It is early days yet in the fledgling careers of Hughton, Powell and Ince. But what they have displayed in their short tenures as football managers, is that appointing a young, keen, qualified black manager is no more of a risk to a football club than hiring the same managerial type from the same gene pool that the club got the last manager from.

Dogged Darren Sets His Sights High



Moore Determined Defender

Like many in professional football retired defender Darren Moore is shocked at the lack of black managers in the game.

However, like his no-nonsense bullish defending he's determined to reverse the trend in his long-standing desire to become a football manager himself.

The shortage of black managers in the game has been well documented, with at present only Norwich City Manager Chris Hughton, Chris Powell at Charlton and Paul Ince of Blackpool in top positions within the professional leagues.

Moore, who former clubs include Derby, Wolves and Blackburn Rovers, concedes that these types of statistics are a cause for concern but nevertheless would not deter him from pursuing a career in management.

He said: "I am trying to go about it the right way by gaining my coaching qualifications. But it is important people look at the fact that in our British game about 25% of all players are from a black and ethnic minority background. Although 21% of black coaches are currently holders of the UEFA A Licence, there are only 2% of black managers that are in first-team management roles in our professional game that is alarming.

"Players are going through their playing careers undertaking coaching and management courses and when they come out the other side and apply for these jobs for whatever reason many are not getting the positions.

"It could be they are not good enough, so let's not take that out of the equation. It could be a whole host of different avenues to look at, let's not just look at it and say it's just about race but at the same time you have to probably add that in there as well.

"All I can do is go down the rightful measures and undertake my coaching badges because I can do something - obtain that licence and qualification - to try to minimise somebody not wanting to give me the job."

Moore who retired from the game earlier this year after a successful career spanning almost 20 years, knows of former players like himself who have turned their back on a career in management or coaching as they perceived that their race was denying them opportunities. But he is hopeful that he will not experience such discrimination.

"There are a lot more people who are more high profile than myself that have been discouraged. For them to say they have been discouraged is worrying for me and if that is the case then I'm pretty saddened by it," the 39-year-old said.

In American football the 'Rooney Rule' was introduce to ensure minority candidates have more of an opportunity to land NFL coaching roles. Under the scheme, NFL clubs must shortlist at least one minority candidate when appointing a coach and the former Jamaican international sees no reason why English clubs should not adhere to a similar rule.

Moore says: "It can only help to promote equality within the game, because we have seen it being successful in America and we have seen the inclusion of so many black and ethnic managers in American football. I think certainly, why not look at something like that for our game to ensure everybody has got that equal opportunity to succeed?"

Having been such an inspirational leader during his career, making 600 appearances for eight clubs and being in the select few who have played in all four divisions in England, Moore is determined to do the same off the field. The active anti-racism campaigner is hoping to inspire a new wave of black and minority coaches to fulfil their ambitions of becoming managers.

Troy Townsend Interview

King Harry For England

King Harry, as he is affectionately known by supporters (or more specifically me), has reigned supreme at the Lane since taking over the managerial crown in 2008.

Harry Redknapp arriving at Southwark Crown Court for his Tax Evasion Trial

As we all know, unless you have been residing in a cave dwelling in the Bora Bora Mountains, the 64-year-old is the people’s favourite to be anointed England manager after the dismissal of Fabio Capello. He even has the blessing from the irascible king of Old Trafford, Sir Alex Ferguson.

There has not been such a chorus of approval from the nation for one man to lead England since the days of Brian Clough. Unfortunately, the dullards at the FA passed him over for Ron Greenwood. It’s unlikely they would make the same mistake again (appointing Roy Hodgson for instance).

Old ‘Arry in his modesty has played down the notion he is automatic choice. But King Harry knows as sure as he knows the number of foreign bank accounts he has, that he is nailed on for the job. It would almost be treasonable if he decided not to replace the Italian.

As a fan my memories stretches back to the exploits of Jennings, Chivers, Peters and Gilzean. But between those halcyon days and the present there has been a lot of dross with a few euphoric moments thrown in. The most joyous was the 1991 semi-final against the Gunners where Gascoigne scored with a magnificent free-kick that was so far out that the ball must have been propelled by a jet engine.

However, this current side is the best Tottenham team I have witnessed. Credit has to go to Redknapp who has managed to pattern a side of constant underachievers into a team who display endeavour, commitment, passion and some style.

We know that the England job as the reputation of being “a poisoned chalice”. Most managers have ended their tenure in animosity, recrimination and ignominy. A career as England manager is like a career in politics – it always ends in failure.

But I suppose going through the strain of a tax evasion trial is infinitely worse. The danger of having your liberty taking away puts everything in prospective.

Its one thing having a turnip superimposed on your head in the Sun newspaper, as was the case for Graham Turner, then having to share a cell with men, who may, with the absence of females, take an unnatural shine to you.

No Spurs fan wants King Harry to depart. But it’s sadly inevitable. We now need to look for a new king – someone who will get the players performing in the same scintillating fashion as they have under Redknapp.

Undoubtedly, the Chairman Daniel Levy is a man of vision. So Mr Levy if you are reading this please move heaven and earth to obtain the services of Pep Guardiola. I am sure the Spaniard must be sick and tired of winning countless trophies with Barcelona.

As we say down in Tottenham Hale, amongst the myriad of Kebab shops and Fried Chicken outlets – The king is dead long live king – preferably King Guardiola (if he could bring Prince Lionel with him all the better).