Powell backs FA approach

Wednesday 6 Apr 2011
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Charlton Athletic boss Chris Powell believes it will take time before more players of ethnic backgrounds start to apply for managerial jobs.

He told BBC Radio Kent: “The FA obviously wants more players of ethnic backgrounds to apply for jobs but it will take time.

Powell, currently the only black manager in the Football League, dismissed criticism of The FA over its approach to encouraging black managers.

He said: “People will always look for someone to blame.

“I’ve come through courses run in conjunction with The FA, but I still feel it’s up to the individual.

“I obviously recognise the importance of my role, but I don’t think you can always blame governing bodies – I think it’s always quite easy to do that.”

The issue has been in the news following the departure of Paul Ince from Notts County last week.

The fact that Powell is now the only black boss left in the Football League led the Sports Minister Hugh Robertson to say it was “further proof that football is the worst governed sport in this country”.

But Powell said it was up to individuals to push themselves forward for the top jobs.

From BBC Sport

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