Andrew Cole has expressed his support for the controversial ‘Rooney Rule’, which would ensure that clubs interview at least one black candidate when searching for a new manager.
The Rooney Rule has been a success in the NFL, where the number of black coaches has shot up since the ruling was made in 2003.
Former England and Manchester United striker Andrew Cole believes that a similar rule would be of benefit on these shores.
"How long have we all been talking about black players needing more ways into coaching and management? Over a decade," Cole said.
"Yet here we are in 2011 still debating it. I started doing my UEFA B three years ago. But I told myself last year that it just wasn’t worth it.
"Because I honestly don’t think there is going to be anything there for me when I finish. I’m not going to lie. That’s why I think there will be a generation lost in terms of management."
The call for a Rooney Rule has split opinion, with QPR manager Neil Warnock recently dismissing the notion that racism has anything to do with the lack of black coaches.
