Technical advisor for Ghana Chris Hughton says the “Black Community” have inspired him during his illustrious career as a footballer and as a manager as well.
The Irish-Ghanaian has managed three clubs in the English Premier League which includes Newcastle United, Norwich City and Brighton & Hove Albion.
He became the first mixed-race player to represent the Republic of Ireland in 1979, playing 53 times for the country of his mother’s origin. His father is a Ghanaian.
He was recently appointed by the Ghana Football Association as technical advisor in February this year after leaving Championship side Nottingham Forest.
Hughton was part of the Black Stars team that qualified for this year’s World Cup in Qatar having beaten Nigeria in a two-legged play-off in March.
In an interview with his daughter Aisha, for the popular “Best of Africa Series”, the affable Hughton spoke of his appreciation for the black community’s support.
“I get a lot of inspiration from the black community. We know that there is a void when it comes to black managers and coaches at the highest level,” Hughton said.
“I get involved in a lot of conversations with potential coaches, especially black and ethnic coaches and am always willing to give them that time.”
When quizzed about what needs to be done to improve the numbers of black coaches within the elite game, Hughton expressed:
“There’s no doubt that at grassroots level and academy levels things have increased.
“There still needs to be more opportunities given. Until those that want to ply their trade at the highest level are given opportunity by those within the game things won’t change.
“It is down to the game’s stakeholders that influence our game. They are the ones that make the decisions. Until their thinking changes, then the numbers will not change.”
