Birmingham boss Chris Hughton has called for a debate on why there are so few black managers at the top of English football.

The issue was highlighted by Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg yesterday, when he said that black players have a "one in 500" chance of becoming a manager.

"I don't think clubs are resistant but we're looking for some answers," Hughton said. "We have a responsibility in the game to promote, to look for the reasons and open a debate as to why there aren't the levels of black coaches.

"That's more at the top level, but what I see at grass roots and academy level is a lot more black and ethnic coaches being involved. That's very much a positive thing.

"We've made great improvements but any debate that can be opened up on the lack of black managers can only be good."

Hughton and Charlton boss Chris Powell are the only two black managers in the Football League.