We have lost a generation of black coaches, says Chris Powell

Chris Powell believes football lost a generation of talent by failing to encourage more black players to become coaches, but is “honoured” to be linked with a role in the England set-up.

The Football Association announced in January that it was following the English Football League’s lead by introducing a version of American football’s ‘Rooney Rule’, a requirement to interview at least one black, Asian and minority ethnic (BAME) candidate for every coaching position at St George’s Park.

And this week the governing body has revealed an ambition for a BAME coach, assistant manager or manager to work with each of its 28 national sides, with The Times linking Powell to a role in Gareth Southgate’s senior set-up.

That was the first the Southend manger had heard of it and he has still not had any official confirmation from the FA or Southgate, a friend and former Crystal Palace team-mate.

Powell said: “Like everybody else, I was really surprised because I’ve had no word from anyone at the FA, but it’s a great honour to be linked with a role such as that.

“I think it (the FA) is trying to encourage others that there is a pathway, that you can coach at the highest level. Whether it’s me or not, it’s a really positive step because it can only help.”

Powell, who has returned Southend to safety in League One since taking over from Phil Brown in January, is one of only eight BAME managers at English football’s 92 league clubs, with just 22 of 482 coaching roles held by BAME coaches. This is despite one in four players coming from a BAME background.

Asked if he was disappointed that the Premier League had not also introduced the Rooney Rule, Powell said promoting diversity in dugouts should be something people can pursue without relying on the game’s lawmakers.

“If we think it’s something serious, we all have a role to play in trying to implement it at every level,” he said.

“It’s mandatory in the English Football League at academy level so if it works there, why don’t we look to encourage it at senior level, to encourage men and women, of all backgrounds, to coach and manage?

“As a black manager, I understand my role in trying to do my job correctly and to inspire others to make a career out of the game.

“I do feel there has been a lost generation of coaches, which shouldn’t happen again. We lost some quality players, who, at the end of their careers, felt they wouldn’t get an opportunity.

“I think now, in regard to diversity and inclusion, it’s a no-brainer. Everyone in football has a role to play in trying to make sure we don’t lose good people.”

With Southgate focused on his preparations for Russia 2018, and him busy with the Shrimpers, Powell said he thought any introduction to the England team would have to wait until after the World Cup.

In the meantime, however, Powell can continue his build-up to the London Marathon on April 22. Running on behalf of Prostate Cancer UK, Powell has been fitting his training in when he can, including lots of miles along Southend’s seafront and a bracing run before last weekend’s game at Blackpool.

“It was minus eight, but I know I’m running for a great cause – one in four black men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer at some point – and it’s a stress-buster. I’m going to keep running after this marathon, just not as far,” he said.

And while Powell is more than happy to wait for England’s call, Iffy Onourah is already working with England U21 manager Aidy Boothroyd.

“What’s happened in the NFL is a good thing,” Boothroyd said.

“It’s more than visibility, it’s about opportunity and education. It’s exactly what we should be doing.

“Iffy will work with me for the foreseeable future. I have known him since we were 16, but our paths have crossed very little because he’s played for about 18 clubs, managed Ethiopia, managed Swindon, worked for the PFA. But he’s exactly the type of person we want.”

– To sponsor Powell as he runs the London Marathon for Prostate Cancer UK visit https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/chris-powell2018