An Historic Event when Rosenior Shatters Obstacles

"Rosenior represents an excellent tactician who understands the game intimately, which is the most important thing.

"But, as the Blues' pioneering African heritage footballer, I would be lying if I said this appointment doesn't move me."

Those are the words expressed by the former Chelsea winger, the man who made his historic first appearance for the Blues' first team as a substitute back in the spring of 1982.

This week, the club named RC Strasbourg manager Rosenior, aged 41, to be their next head coach following the exit of manager Enzo Maresca.

The French club is within a Todd Boehly and Clearlake Capital-owned ownership group which also controls the London club.

There have been just twelve of African or Caribbean heritage managers – not including those holding temporary caretaker positions – in England's top flight since it began 34 years ago.

"One thing that impresses me regarding Rosenior is that he grew up and played not far from here, he understands this community," added Canoville.

"When children observe someone like Liam in charge of their club, someone they can identify with, from a similar background, from a family that fights for what's right… that's impactful demonstrating that opportunities exist.

"So yes, it is a huge step for Chelsea, for London, for every aspiring individual with big dreams.

"However, currently? Let's back Liam, give him the necessary tools, and let the man do his work."

What Does the Data Reveal?

The iconic Dutchman Ruud Gullit became Chelsea manager in 1996 thereby becoming the Premier League's first African heritage head coach.

A dozen years on, in 2008, Paul Ince was appointed as the first black English manager in the Premier League when he took over Blackburn Rovers.

The Hammers' manager Nuno Espirito Santo is the sole additional present top flight boss of colour.

The lack of ethnic minority managers throughout the English game is matched by an absence of representation at executive level.

According to a BFP 2023's report, forty-three percent of top-flight footballers are from black heritage.

Yet, research by the equality organization revealed just 3.2% of executive and leadership positions across 17 of 20 Premier League clubs are held by people from minority ethnic communities.

At senior coaching level, according to data provided by 11 clubs, the figure is 2%.

For all coaching roles – including senior roles – from the same eleven clubs, the statistic is five percent.

"He has undoubtedly made history by virtue of his appointment as the Chelsea head coach, and as an organization, we want to see more of that," said the chief executive of Kick It Out Samuel Okafor.

"It is acknowledged that there exists loads of ability that exists within ethnic minority groups... they want a chance to demonstrate their capabilities. We need to continue to work hard to dismantle those barriers down."

Additionally, the new appointee is set to become one of only four full-time English head coaches presently in the Premier League – joining Sean Dyche, Eddie Howe as well as Scott Parker – a number that trails the continent's remaining big five divisions regarding homegrown representation.

16 of the 20 first division coaches in Serie A are Italian, 11 in La Liga are Spanish, 12 of the 18 in Germany and 10 in Ligue 1 are French.

The present Chelsea interim boss Calum McFarlane commented: "I have no doubt every young English managers with a youth development pedigree are, to some degree regardless of allegiance, rooting for Liam.

"It's really inspirational for young English coaches in the system to see an individual get such a role with his background and everyone hopes he will be really well."

'Let's not forget – his appointment is based on talent'

His father, Leroy, Rosenior Sr., had a career with clubs such as Fulham, the Hammers as well as Queens Park Rangers, and his managerial career peaked with a brief stint in charge of then-League One side Brentford in 2006.

Two years ago, he received an MBE in that year's 2019 New Year Honours for his services to tackling inequality in football and beyond.

When Rosenior Jr hung up his boots he pursued a path in management. He started writing a column for The Guardian, where in 2017 he addressed the under-representation among managers. He highlighted that race does not determine coaching skill arguing that opportunities must be awarded based on qualification.

He also made the view he has often stated: how significant lack of diversity leads to a failure to understand of players with diverse ethnic and cultural backgrounds.

During an interview with The Athletic FC, he explained the way his leading forward, Emmanuel Emegha, was labelled "difficult" or "passionate", noting that he could relate to the Dutch player with Nigerian parentage. Emegha is set to join him with a move from Strasbourg to Chelsea in July.

In further Guardian columns, he also confessed to being "embarrassed" upon hearing a coach utter a discriminatory remark. He vowed his support for the inclusion initiative and authored an open letter to the former US President while he was in office, accusing him of "overt" racism.

He has subsequently built his reputation as a manager – initially with Hull City, later at Strasbourg – with Wayne Rooney recently stating Rosenior was "among the best coaches I've ever worked with" following their collaboration at Derby County.

The manager bid goodbye at Strasbourg on Tuesday morning prior to putting pen to paper on a long-term deal at Chelsea.

Chelsea boasted the Premier League's first African heritage boss with Gullit as well as the first black captain named Paul Elliott.

Elliott has since held multiple executive roles, including the Football Association's equality board|