Brighton & Hove Albion defender Liam Rosenior believes that the recently introduced ‘Rooney Rule’ from The FA is another positive step towards changing attitudes within the game.
Speaking to BBC Radio Five Live Breakfast last Wednesday, the Seagulls full back emphasised that the decision to interview at least one black or ethnic minority individual for roles across England should be commended.
He said, “There’s been a lot of talk over the last few years about opportunities for black and ethnic minority coaches within the game and I think the FA’s decision on the Rooney Rule is another positive step.
“It’s not guaranteeing a job to anybody and that’s important – it’s just opening up that pool of people who can interview well, and hopefully it creates a more competitive environment and makes the players better, that’s the most important thing.
“If you’re good enough to do the job then you’ll be interviewed for the role, but we always want the best person for the job in any industry.
“I think it just opens up the pool of successful candidates that will be great for our game and I think it comes down to the powers that be – The FA have come in for a lot of criticism recently and hopefully they lead the way now with this positive step.”
The Albion man also highlighted that the idea of opportunity was key in the introduction of the new policy, citing that the ruling would now give individuals a new perspective when they’re looking for jobs within the game.
"It’s not going to make much of a difference to me because the rule doesn’t affect my thinking in terms of where I want to be.
“But it creates a pathway and I’ve spoken to people in high places that feel their pathways are blocked despite their passion and they feel as if they’ll be overlooked – this creates an optimism for people to go and get their licences and believe they can get a job.
Liam also pointed to the fact that the Seagulls’ first team manager Chris Hughton has been a big inspiration for him, and he stressed how much he enjoyed working under the boss at the club.
“Chris is an absolutely fantastic role model for me and I’m delighted to be able to work underneath him.
“Yes he’s black - but first and foremost he’s a fantastic man with a lot of humility and he’s a great manager as well.
“I’ve found this season really good – obviously it’s tough as it’s our first season in the league, and that’s where we want to be next year and the seasons to come.”