Clarke resigned earlier this week after drawing strong criticism for his use of a racial slur
Former England international Emile Heskey wants to be considered for the role of chairman of the Football Association, following the resignation of Greg Clarke earlier this week.
Clarke had been widely criticised for using a racial slur while talking to MPs in a parliamentary committee on Tuesday. Despite offering an apology, he resigned hours later.
As part of an interview given to inews, Heskey expressed a desire to show black footballers that the game still holds a place for them after their playing days come to an end. The 42-year-old called time on his own playing career four years ago, and soon noticed how few black players move on to roles in management and coaching or as executives.
“I can’t see them in coaching, I can’t see them in executive roles, I can’t see them owning clubs, I can’t see them doing any of that,” he says.
“Then you say: ‘If they can’t do it, I can’t do it.’ This is the problem we have. It’s visual.”
Though the the report adds that he concedes the opportunity to succeed Clarke as chairman “might have come too soon” for him, the report also says that he believes he is at least worthy of an interview to put forward why he would be a good fit for the role.
The disproportionate number of black players who progress to coaching roles after their playing careers in comparison to their white counterparts has regularly been discussed in recent years. A lack of opportunities, Heskey adds, remains an issue.
“You’ve got Danny Rose saying what’s the point in me taking my coaching badges when I’m not going to get a chance?” Heskey says.
“Sol Campbell’s not getting a chance, Emile’s not getting a chance, Andy Cole’s not getting a chance, Dwight Yorke has won the European Cup, gone to a World Cup, he’s got his pro licence and can’t get an interview.
“What’s the point? How am I going to get a chance? This is the problem, it’s visual with a lot of people.”
