June 2008 Archives

Congratulations to Paul Ince on becoming the first Black British manager of a premiership team in taking over at Blackburn Rovers. I for one couldn't be happier now that the man dubbed 'The Guv'nor' on the field is now at the helm of a leading soccer club.

Our airwaves and newspapers have been awash with coverage about this - most welcoming his appointment, some even saying that Paul getting this job proves that there isn't any racism in football.

I suggest that the truth lies somewhat short of that. The dearth of Black managers in British football has to be down to the 'r-word.' Still Ince, who was the first Black player to captain the English national team, has to be commended for a number of reasons. Firstly, for having the guts to take a job at the lowest level of professional football in England, League Two Macclesfield Town. He saved them from what looked like certain relegation; next he leads MK Dons to promotion and cup glory.

I still believe that a Black person operating in most professional fields in Britain has to be somewhat better than his/ her white counterparts but Ince has showed that hard work, success and talent can still pay off.

Gwarn Guv'nor!

As yet another Father's Day draws to a close, I'd like to extend my thanks to those who've made this an extra special day for me.

My first thanks needs to go to my wife and son (the latter pictured above with yours truly), without whom I'd have no reason to greedily collect handclaps, cards, pats on the back and gifts all day today!

Also big respect goes out to those positive brothers from the Caricom Caribbean Restaurant in Warner Street, Birmingham (with a little help from Sting FM) for surprising all the fathers in the house with gifts and kind words. It's not often us Black fathers are even acknowledged, never mind celebrated. It was more than just the rice and peas and jerk chicken that brought joy to my heart this afternoon!

And government legislation is trying to minimise the role of fathers in their kids' lives too! I'm sure the beaming smiles of the all kids in Caricom, not to mention all the others around the country blessed enough to have loving fathers in their lives, have a different story to tell.

Goodnight!