Offside Racism Playing the White Man

It is a fact that disproportionately few black soccer players have ever been employed as managers or coaches despite their prominent presence on the field. How big a role does racism play in contributing to this damning statistic? "Play the white man" is the metaphor King uses to explain how race, racism and inequality operate. He looks at the pressures placed on black players to adopt a culture dominated by white men in sport--in other words, "to act white"' in order to be accepted. He exposes the behavior of powerful white stakeholders, follows a black manager's struggle for individuality, and witnesses the pressures black candidates face in the field, the classroom and the bar. Providing provocative insights and raising controversial questions, this is the first book to examine racism in soccer management.

Colin King is Project Manager, The Martin Shaw King Trust, Goldsmiths College, University of London. He is also a soccer coach.