Sol Campbell: Blockage On Black Managers

Former England star Sol Campbell has suggested to Sky News there is a "glass ceiling" for black players trying to get into managerial positions in football.

He said there was a "mental blockage through fans and the media" - and owners, chairmen and chief executives should "open out and look at the situation".

Campbell said "a whole re-think" was needed and the Government should nudge football in the right direction - as he cited aspects of the "Rooney Rule" possibly being introduced in the UK.

The rule, established in 2003, requires American Football teams to interview minority candidates for head coaching and senior operation opportunities.

His comments come after Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg recently said there was a racial "ceiling" in football, which means black players can become stars on the pitch but few become managers.

There are currently only two black managers in the top four divisions - Chris Hughton at Birmingham City and Charlton's Chris Powell.

This is despite the fact a quarter of players are black, while there are no black managers in the Premier League, Mr Clegg highlighted.

Mr Clegg said there needed to be more "economic opportunity" for ethnic minorities.

Campbell told Sky News Radio: "If things get in your way, or not because of your talent, and it comes down to colour, obviously that's going to make you think twice. You don't want this glass ceiling.

"You want to be able to go as far as possible with your talent as a manager."

The former Spurs and Arsenal defender said he planned to start trying to obtain his coaching badges next year.

But he admitted he did not want to be a "trailblazer" because "you have got a lot of foreign managers in the Premier League".

He also cited the pressure of a black manager at a top club in the future.

Campbell said: "For me, it's gone on far too long and you'll have a manager who eventually gets a top Premier League job and there's so much pressure on them and that should not be the case.

"Naturally, it's going to happen and whoever gets the job will have that pressure but the more black managers that are involved in the whole league itself, I think, the better and the more relaxed people will get."