sportbible logo

To make sure you never miss out on your favourite NEW stories, we're happy to send you some reminders

Click 'OK' then 'Allow' to enable notifications

Sol Campbell Thinks Fans Need To Lose 'Archaic' Attitudes To Non-White Managers

Sol Campbell Thinks Fans Need To Lose 'Archaic' Attitudes To Non-White Managers

Campbell was last employed by Southend United in June 2020.

Daniel Marland

Daniel Marland

Sol Campbell has urged football fans to welcome diversity into the game and drop 'archaic' attitudes to non-white managers.

The former England international believes his managerial opportunities have been limited in the past due to his ethnicity.

Campbell also thinks fans have a big impact when it comes to clubs hiring new managers and that could immediately go against non-white candidates on the shortlist.

He told the High Performance Podcast per Daily Mail: "I think for me the diversity in mentality is changing.

Image
PA

"I think the hierarchy makeup is probably not changed as much but the mentality is changing.

"I think the next step is the fans to kind of start to change in the ways of who they would like at their football club and things like that.

"Because they're a big part. [To] understand that talent is not held by colour - talent is held by whoever.

"If you are overlooking someone because of his colour, you could be missing out on a great manager who could quite easily come into your club and be successful and be amazing.

"At the same time, it might not work out. But don't stop yourself employing or opening up to that idea of someone of colour managing your football club.

Image
PA


Image
PA

"It's so archaic."

The 46-year-old retired in 2011 and has since managed Macclesfield Town and Southend United in the Football League.

Campbell was a regular at Arsenal and a key defender in their 'Invincibles' season of 2003/2004.

He also enjoying a successful spell with Portsmouth and is regarded as one of the Premier League's greatest centre backs.

But he believes he has been overlooked when it comes to managing a top club.

He continued: "Obviously the fans have got to realise that regardless of where you're from or what colour, you should be open to someone who has got the qualifications and maybe is not your favourite... but at least allow him to have a chance.

Image
PA

"Colour should not come into it. In 20 years time we'll be looking back and going 'what were we doing?'

"It takes time, but for me I want it to start now. It's hard for me because I've got all my badges, I've played for some of the best teams and played with the best players, but I can't manage some of the best teams in the world."

Featured Image Credit: PA Images

Topics: Football