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Reading about black managers in four four two this month and an interview with Brendan Batson:
Brendan Batson explains what the FA are doing to encourage more black coaches
At the end of the 2007/08 season there were only two black managers in charge of England's 92 clubs. "This is a disgrace for what is supposed to be an integrated industry", says the former West Brom player and PFA executive Brenda Batson, who two years ago was appinted by the FA to help increase the amount of coaches from ethnic minorities.
Why are there so few black managers in English Football?
There is a lack of trust in boardrooms and it seems to be directed at black candidates more than anyone else. There are a lot of managers who keep getting chances but the problem is there are virtually no black managers on that roundabout. We have to change to mindset of boardrooms.
Does simple racism play a role in small number?
I have no proof of racism but it can be very difficult to prove
How can the FA remedy the situation?
On behalf of the FA, I speak to black players and to club chairmen. For instance, a club has recently told me about a black player in the lower leagues, who they believe has the potential to be a manager. I've alerted the PFA and it is up to us to set him on the path.
How can black candidates increase their chances?
Its all about getting qualified, getting your badges, so you can be a candidate for jobs.
Have we lost a generation of black managers?
I know several players, who have said, "I'm not going to get the chance so why waste my energy?" Someone like Luther Blissett has never got a chance and John Barnes hasn't had a sniff since Celtic.
Will Paul Ince's success at MK Dons help?
Hopefully. With his playing background, Paul has got a profile to set against Gareth Southgate and Roy Keane and get a big job. You can't explain why Paul ince got his start at Macclesfield and Roy got his at Sunderland. I suppose Roy had a connection with Niall Quinn, so that helped. Black players feel they are excluded from that network.
[end of interview]
Iain has the idea. It may encourage more black players to give management and coaching a try seeing Paul Ince get a chance at Blackburn (albeit as the seemingly 3rd choice!)
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