Today at 8:11 AM
#41
LA_Imp said:
Remind me again, which team employed the first black manager in the football league? Where were the "Big Six" when that appointment was taking place?
Rochdale:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tony_Collins_(footballer)
This is an example of a whole history of the game (and society) that gets lost over time. Personally, I think that has more to do with each individual's story being of interest to only a limited number of people - in this case Rochdale supporters and more particularly those over 60 at the moment. Many people are still (at least vaguely) aware of Albert Johanneson (Leeds 60's) and Clyde Best (West Ham 60's & 70's) but most are completely unaware of,
Andrew Watson (Scottish international from 1880's)
John Walker (1st to play in England and Scotland inc. Lincoln 1900)
Walter Tull (pre-WWI player)
Arthur Wharton (pre-WWI player)
Jack Leslie (1st black player called up by England 1925)
Tony Collins (started playing in 1947)
Steve Stacey (Bristol & Wrexham 60's - 74)
Ade Coker (played for Lincoln 1974/5)
Lots of these individuals had mediocre careers (although some had exceptional lives) so it wasn't until the Batson, Anderson, Regis Cunningham and then Barnes and Blisset when there were enough non-white players to register on the national consciousness. For anyone interested I have put some links below,
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Andrew_Watson_(footballer,_born_1856)
http://www.blackhistory4schools.com/20century/blackfootballers.pdf
https://www.scottishsporthistory.co...fessional-in-the-scottish-and-english-leagues
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jack_Leslie_(English_footballer)
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Steve_Stacey_(footballer)
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ade_Coker