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9 December 2004    
The FA Racial Equality Conference - Speakers
   
The FA Racial Equality Conference - Panel

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A former England International hopes to be the first black Englishman to manage in the Premier League.

Chris Powell, on loan to West Ham from Charlton Athletic, is determined to extend his career into management and has previously attended a PFA Forum addressing the career development of black players.

Only two black men - Ruud Gullit and Jean Tigana – have managed in the Premiership, but Chris has set his sights on joining the elite band. "There seems to be a fear factor amongst black ex-players when it comes to moving into coaching and then management," he says. "There is a fear that when they do get a chance and it is not successful, they will not be given another chance."

Chris, who won five England caps, has made it known that when his playing career finishes he intends to remain involved in football – whether it be as a coach, manager or on the administration side.

The PFA has been concerned for some time about the lack of representation of black players in coaching and management, and aim to address the current employment procedures within club infra-structure to break down the "old boy network" and encourage transparency and consistency.

Two other former England players are cited by Chris as examples of suitable candidates for managerial positions. "Cyrille Regis and Luther Blissett are just a couple of people who have done a lot in the game – but they feel that there are a lack of chances and a lack of trust in them," he says.

"Whether that is due to possible institutionalised racism at a higher level we don’t know. But if it wasn’t a problem, there would simply be more black manages and coaches. I have had nearly 20 years in the game and I don’t want to walk away. I could maybe do a role such as Brendon Batson who has done a tremendous job at the PFA and now at The FA. He is a wonderful role model for black players.

"I am not saying that under-qualified candidates be given the job merely because of their colour. We have to make sure that they are physically and mentally qualified to do the job, then they should get the chance – and whether that is me, or someone else, remains to be seen."