He believes that they can help to level the playing field for Black managers in English football.
Others, however, feel that the Rooney Rule can sometimes be tokenistic and not address the underlying issues of systemic racism within the sport.
Despite the differing opinions on the Rooney Rule, one thing is clear – the lack of Black representation in managerial positions in English football is a problem that needs to be addressed.
As the numbers show, there is a significant disparity between the number of Black players on the pitch and the number of Black managers in the dugout. Until this gap is closed, the conversation around Black managers in English football will continue to be an important one.
“I don’t feel like Black managers are being treated fairly in that respect. It’s a lot harder for us to get the opportunities that are presented to other individuals.”
Yorke added: “There’s no right or wrong way of getting into management. You just need a platform to show what you’re capable of doing.
“If you’re not given that platform to showcase your abilities, then you’ll never be able to prove yourself.”
Former England international and current QPR manager, Chris Ramsey, believes that a lack of representation in key decision-making roles is a major issue.
“If you’re not in the room when decisions are made, then you’re not going to get an opportunity,” said Ramsey.
“There’s a lot of unconscious bias in terms of who’s good enough to do the job and who’s not good enough to do the job.”
Ramsey, who was previously the technical director at QPR before becoming the first-team manager, also highlighted the importance of mentorship and support for Black coaches.
“There’s a lot of talented coaches who just need that little bit of support,” said Ramsey.
“Someone to guide them and show them the ropes, because it’s a tough industry to break into.”
As calls for greater diversity and inclusion in football continue to grow, it is clear that there is still much work to be done to level the playing field for Black managers and coaches.
“It’s about time clubs start to look at the person and what they can bring to the table, rather than just looking at the colour of their skin.
“It’s about giving opportunities, and once you get that opportunity, you have to grab it with both hands and show what you’re made of.
“There are talented Black managers and coaches out there, they just need a chance to prove themselves.”
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It is clear that thinking about coaching and building relationships within the football industry while still playing can be beneficial for players looking to transition into coaching roles after retirement. The importance of networking and maintaining connections with clubs and individuals within the industry cannot be understated, as it can open up opportunities for coaching positions in the future. As the qualifications required for coaching roles become more detailed, it is essential for players to start thinking about their next steps in football early on in their playing careers. By taking proactive steps to network and build relationships, players can set themselves up for success in coaching roles after retirement.
“Representation is crucial. It’s about having different perspectives and experiences at the table when decisions are being made. If you have a diverse board, you’re more likely to make decisions that benefit everyone and not just a select few.”
So, what can be done to improve the opportunities for Black managers in football?
“Firstly, we need to address the biases and unconscious prejudices that exist within the game,” said Davies. “This means having open and honest conversations about race and privilege, and actively working to change the culture within football.
“Secondly, we need to create more pathways and opportunities for Black coaches and managers. This could mean mentorship programmes, internships, or targeted recruitment strategies.
“And finally, we need to hold clubs and governing bodies accountable for their diversity and inclusion efforts. This means setting targets, monitoring progress, and being transparent about the steps being taken to create a more inclusive environment.”
It’s clear that there is still a long way to go in terms of diversity and inclusion in football, particularly when it comes to Black managers. But with continued education, awareness, and action, positive change can be achieved.