I can't believe noone's mentioned John Barnes. One of the most intelligent, strong and talented players (not just black) England has had. The amount of abuse and pressure that man had to endure (from his own fans at some points) was unbelievable. And all the way through it, he never let it bother him, at least not publicly. Read his biography and tell me you don't greatly admire him. Of course, some dipshit Celtic supporter will think that his managerial record with them alone is enough to wash away his accomplishment, but don't be fooled. If not him, then definitely Paul Ince.
I respect barnes' achievements as a player, but the fact is what he did at celtic DESERVES to be eteched onto his gravestone, were still recovering from it today, there was a programme on BBC3 the other week there that even had the cheek to intone that barnes wasnt given a fair crack of the whip at celtic because he was black, that is taking the piss if you ask me.
what about ian wright,and what he achieved for burnley.you dont get more british blood rushing through black vains.
A couple of things about John Barnes, 1) Was caught on more than one occasion "playing away from home". 2) Was more concerned how the West Indian Cricket team was doing when he was playing for England. There is a story that he missed a half time team talk because he was tryin to find out the latest Thats not the role model black Britons need
Please name some 'EPL white british role models' i'd be interested in hearing what names you come up with. There isn't one i can think of without some taint on his record so where does this color difference come from?
Are you a black Briton? Are you the arbiter of whom black Brits should admire or emulate? As Dark points out human frailty knows no colour. I'm sure you didn't mean for it to come out this way, but IMO the premise of this whole thread is offensive and condescending...
Voted the most influential black footballer in britain in the last two decades. Dedicated family man. Absoloute demon on the park.
Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Emile Heskey - England Legend Well, if you're gonna be "diggin' in the crates..." http://www.furd.org/arthurwharton.asp Arthur Wharton, the originator and the color line breaker. BTW, I'm still waiting for you reasons not taking to Robbie Earle. How 'bout Terry Phelan, Marcus Gayle, Les Ferdinand... Oh just purchase a copy of "Pitch Invaders" and pick someone!
How fvckin boring would you have to be to look up to Michael Owen, the boy is in bed with his horlicks and latest copy of "Stud" by half 8 I bet.
re re re.. "Please for my America friends if Mr Bush is your role model good.. " GOOD?? imagine everyone using george bush as a role model!! we would all be accusing each other of crimes killing each other and saying it was gods will..
Bush a role model? Perhaps to parrots. Because Bush really knows how to repeat what he is told. I really don't know why somebody would dream about being a complete idiot. I think 99% population of Europe agrees with me on this one. And perhaps some Americans have also come to this conclusion. I really don't know how America was able to elect such president. I will never be able to understand that. It's so obvious he doesn't know what he is talking about half the time. And he is even not a good actor.
But role models are supposed to teach you to always stand on your own two feet and take whatever comes your way. How does Michael "The Floparoo" Owen fit that?
Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Emile Heskey - England Legend "Guyana born Andrew Watson was capped three times for Scotland between 1881 and 1882, and is now believed to have been the first black football (soccer) player to represent his country. He began playing in 1874 and subsequently played for Queens Park. Until this discovery, it had always been maintained that the first black footballer was Arthur Wharton, who played for the English team of Preston North End. But Watson pre-dates him by 11 years." Did we miss this part?
No problem. I would even join this conversation, but I really could not exist. There is not a person on this Earth that I deslike more than him. I really don't know why. But I just can't stand him. I can't listen to him for more than five minutes. I want to smash my TV.
I am not a man. I am just a girl with curly blond hair and green eyes. "Man" is just a too strong word for me.
Very sorry man, just got finished with an Easy Rider/Apocalypse Now double bill man, that Dennis Hopper man,what a man,man.
Brits are supposed to be masters of the tongue and cheek. I hope that's where you were going w/ this statement.
Well, he has talked about facing racism because of his father (e.g. http://www.srtrc.org/giggs.htm) and since we're including biracial players like Rio Ferdinand in the discussion, then surely Giggsy counts as black, no?