Defoe admits concerns over the lack of opportunities for black coaches
‘When I look at the number of black coaches in the game, I think, “am I wasting my time?”‘ Jermain Defoe admits doubt over his ambition to become a manager after starting his coaching career at ex-side Tottenham
- Jermain Defoe is working at Tottenham’s academy as he pursues a coaching role
- Defoe admits concerns over the lack of black coaches in management positions
- Only four black coaches are leading clubs across the Premier League and EFL
Jermain Defoe has admitted having concerns over the potential opportunities for black coaches in football with the former Tottenham striker eyeing a future in management.
Defoe returned to Spurs last year to become a member of the club’s academy coaching staff, after calling time on his playing career.
The former England international made 362 appearances for Spurs and scored 143 goals across his two separate spells at the club, along with spells at West Ham, Portsmouth, Sunderland and Bournemouth.
Defoe had also held a player coach role at Rangers, where he helped the Scottish Premiership side win the title under Steven Gerrard in 2021.
The 40-year-old told the Athletic he is more concerned about not getting an opportunity in management in the future, rather than the risk of failure in a role.
Jermain Defoe admits having concerns over the potential opportunities for black coaches
Defoe began his coaching career at Rangers and now works with Tottenham’s academy set up
Defoe hopes to follow Scott Parker and move from Tottenham’s academy to a mangement role
He cited statistics from the Black Football Partnership which revealed last month only 4.4 per cent of management-related positions were held by black employees.
‘When I look at the numbers of black coaches in the game, like 4.4 per cent, that’s the only thing that makes me think, “Am I wasting my time?” said Defoe, who has completed his UEFA B Licence.
‘Why am I any different to Sol Campbell, Andy Cole, Dwight Yorke, Ian Wright, Les Ferdinand, John Barnes? Why am I any different to these players and legends that I looked up to as a kid?
‘Because at some stage, they would have been in my position thinking, “I’ll do my badges and get an opportunity because I’ve played at the top of the game”. But it’s not happened for them.
‘I’m not saying I want a job because I’m black and black players don’t get an opportunity. No, I want a job because I’m good enough. Give me the same opportunity.
‘For instance, Scott Parker was at Spurs as the under-18s’ main coach, left there after a year and got the Fulham job. Why can’t something like that happen to me?
‘Steven Gerrard, Frank Lampard, Wayne Rooney, there are loads of names. I just want the same opportunity, and then if you fail it’s like, “At least I’ve been given the opportunity”.’
The sackings of Patrick Vieira and Paul Ince at Crystal Palace and Reading respectively has left only four black managers across the Premier League and EFL.
Only four black coaches are in charge of Premier League or EFL clubs after Paul Ince’s sacking
Vincent Kompany has led his Burnley side to immediate promotion back to the Premier League
Vincent Kompany is in charge of Premier League bound Burnley, with Cardiff’s Sabri Lamouchi and Hull’s Liam Rosenior leading Championship clubs.
Darren Moore leads promotion chasing Sheffield Wednesday in League One.
In October it was revealed that clubs had not hit six of the eight categories included in the FA’s Leadership Diversity Code, which was launched in 2020 with a view to increasing BAME representation at the very top of the national game.
Clubs had made progress in some areas including where they were set a target of 10 per cent of new senior coaching hires in the men’s games would be BAME – with the target exceeded by recording 21 per cent in that field.
Source: Read Full Article