SYNOPSIS

This year sees the 125th Anniversary of Arthur Wharton signing for Rotherham in 1889 to become the world's first black professional football player.

Our book reviews the past 125 years and looks at the heritage created by over 50 individual black footballers, many of whom ignored the relentless racism of the football terraces and through self-motivation became role models and mentors for future generations of young black footballers.

Although I have provided the concept and the framework for this book I have been supported with the research, the sourcing of images, the collection of memorabilia and writing of copy by a dedicated support team.

This team includes students from Sandwell College who are drawn from over 90 countries throughout the world and represent a diversity of racial, ethnic and socio-economic backgrounds.

We could not hope to provide a definitive history of each player in the space available but we do hope that it will stimulate readers to look further into the careers and achievements of individual players and to investigate further the important role played by black players in our football heritage.

The publication of this book was made possible by a grant from the Heritage Lottery Fund whose support has been invaluable.

Jim Cadman - October 2014

CONTENTS

Arthur Wharton, Walter Tull, John Edward Parris, Lindy Delaphena, Roy Brown, Charlie Williams, Albert Johanneson, Mike Trebilcock, Clyde Best, Cec Podd, Tony Ford, Viv Anderson, Garth Crooks, Ricky Hill, Luther Blissett, George Berry, Brian Stein, Ruud Gullit, Chris Hughton, Justin Fashanu, Dave Bennett, Subbuteo, Laurie Cunningham, Cyrille Regis, Brendon Batson, Len Cantello Testimonial, Bobby Barnes, Danny Wallace, John Barnes, Paul McGrath, Paul Ince, Brian Deane, Michael Thomas, Les Ferdinand, Kevin Campbell, Lucas Radebe, Shaun Goater, Dwight Yorke, David James, Andy Cole, Darren Moore, Sol Campbell, Thierry Henry, Patrick Vieira, Emile Heskey, Rio Ferdinand, Clarke Carlisle, Ashley Cole, Jason Roberts, Fabrice Muamba, Daniel Sturridge, Danny Welbeck, Raheem Sterling, Saido Berahino, Didier Drogba, Pelé and Ricky Heppolette.