An Significant Occasion when Rosenior Overcomes Boundaries

"Liam Rosenior is a top tactician that understands football intimately, and that's what matters most.

"But, as the Blues' first black footballer, it would be dishonest if I said this appointment doesn't move me."

These were the sentiments expressed by the former Chelsea winger, the man who made his historic debut for Chelsea's senior side as a substitute back in April 1982.

On Tuesday, Chelsea appointed Strasbourg manager Liam Rosenior, aged 41, as their new head coach after the departure of Enzo Maresca.

Strasbourg are within a Todd Boehly and Clearlake Capital-owned BlueCo that also controls Chelsea.

There have been just 12 of African or Caribbean heritage head coaches – excluding those in temporary caretaker positions – in the Premier League since it began thirty-four years ago.

"One thing that impresses me about Liam is he was raised and played not far from here, he understands this area," added Canoville.

"When youngsters see a figure like Rosenior in charge of the team they support, a person who looks like them, from a similar background, who comes from a family that fights for what's right… it is profound and shows them that opportunities exist.

"Indeed, this represents an enormous moment for Chelsea, for the capital, for every young person dreaming big.

"But right now? Let's back Liam, provide him with the necessary tools, and let the man do his work."

What Exactly Does the Numbers Show?

The iconic Dutchman Ruud Gullit became Chelsea manager back in the nineties thereby becoming the Premier League's inaugural African heritage manager.

Twelve years later, by 2008, Paul Ince became the first English black manager in the top flight after taking charge at Blackburn Rovers.

The Hammers' manager Nuno Espirito Santo currently stands as the only other present top flight gaffer from a minority ethnic background.

The lack of managers of colour across the English game corresponds with an absence of representation in the boardroom.

According to the BFP 2023's study, 43% of Premier League footballers come from African or Caribbean backgrounds.

However, research by Kick It Out found just 3.2% of board and senior leadership positions at 17 of 20 Premier League clubs are from ethnically diverse communities.

Regarding first-team coaching positions, based on figures provided by 11 clubs, the figure stands at 2%.

For all coaching roles – including head coaches – from the same eleven clubs, the figure is just 5%.

"He's certainly broken barriers by virtue of him being announced as a Chelsea manager, and we want to see more of that," stated the chief executive of Kick It Out Samuel Okafor.

"It is acknowledged there is a wealth of talent present in the black and underrepresented communities... they desire a chance to demonstrate their capabilities. It is imperative to persist in striving to break those obstacles once and for all."

Furthermore, the new appointee will become one of only four full-time English head coaches currently managing in the top flight – joining Sean Dyche, Eddie Howe as well as Scott Parker – a number that trails Europe's remaining major divisions regarding homegrown representation.

Sixteen out of twenty top-flight managers in Italy are from Italy, 11 in La Liga are Spanish, Twelve in the Bundesliga are German while Ten of the 18 in France.

Current Chelsea caretaker manager Calum McFarlane commented: "I have no doubt all young English managers with a youth development pedigree are, in some way regardless of allegiance, supporting Liam.

"It is truly inspirational to up-and-coming British coaches in the system to see someone get such a role with his background and we hope he does highly successful."

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

Leroy Rosenior, Liam's father, had a career with clubs such as West London clubs, West Ham and Queens Park Rangers, and his coaching stint culminating in a brief spell in charge of then-League One side Brentford back in 2006.

Two years ago, he was awarded an MBE in that year's Honours List for his services to tackling discrimination in football and beyond.

When Rosenior Jr hung up his boots he followed his father's footsteps. He began penning a column for a national newspaper, and in one piece he acknowledged the lack of diversity of black coaches. He pointed out that race does not determine coaching skill arguing that opportunities must be awarded based on qualification.

He further expressed the view he has often stated: that vast lack of diversity leads to a failure to understand regarding footballers from different cultural and ethnic heritage.

In a podcast with The Athletic FC, Rosenior highlighted the way his leading forward, Emmanuel Emegha, was labelled "hard to manage" and "emotional", but said he understood the Dutch player with Nigerian parentage. Emegha is set to follow him with a move from Strasbourg to Chelsea in July.

In further Guardian columns, he also confessed to being "embarrassed" to hear a coach utter a discriminatory remark. He pledged his support for the Premier League's inclusion campaign and wrote a public message to Donald Trump while he was in office, accusing him of "blatant" racism.

Rosenior has since made his name as a manager – initially with Hull City, later at Strasbourg – with Wayne Rooney said this week Rosenior was "among the best coaches I've ever worked with" following their time together with Derby.

Rosenior said his farewells to his former club earlier this week prior to putting pen to paper on a long-term contract with the Blues.

The Blues had the top flight's first black boss in Gullit as well as the first black captain named Paul Elliott.

Elliott has since held several executive roles, among them the FA's diversity and inclusion board|