The story of football’s black pioneers, with Bill Hern and David Gleave

Feb 11, 2021, 09:26 PM

Black footballers have had to fight tooth and nail to prosper in the game, from the very start, subjected to the most horrendous treatment, not only from supporters and opponents, but even from their own teammates. While modern times like to see themselves as more enlightened, problems still persist in unsavoury corners of the game, towards a demographic that has given so much to the rich depth and history of the game. In celebration of their contribution - not only with the ball but in making those indelible first breakthroughs into the professional football environment - we talk to the authors of the wonderful book, Football's Black Pioneers, Bill Hern and David Gleave.