The Prime Minister’s Football summit

I don’t have anything against the UK’s only two senior Black football managers Chris Powell and Chris Hughton. They are great coaches and hold themselves with dignity. John Barnes too has been a great ambassador for the game - although his unequivocal defence for Kenny Dalglish has been disappointing.

But none of the above have shown the type of leadership which will convey the Black communities anger at the lack of effective action in regards to racism, as it once again sweeps through football, on and off the terraces.

The Government will announce today at the Summit that they will make available £6 million in bursaries for Black coaches. This initiative must be welcomed. An increase in Black managers and also other senior staff right across the football spectrum must be a priority.

But what is equally important is that we deal with this continued lack of understanding and denial of racism in the game. The denial of racism expressed by Kenny Dalglish has in effect incited even more racism. It is for this reason that I’m pleased that the former England international Garth Crooks will be at that meeting.

For over a decade, Crooks, often alone, has raised his head above the parapet to say the uncomfortable truths about the game he loves. Often his bravery has left him isolated and probably cost him senior positions within the FA and other areas. But I know that at a community level, Garth Crooks is greatly respected for being uncompromising in the face of racism.

It will be Garth Crooks above all who will tell the Prime Minister David Cameron, to show leadership in this area, not just in fine words but deeds too. Let’s just hope that the other Black professionals back him up when he leads the charge.

Simon Woolley