Heroes & Villains, the Aston Villa fanzine

Heroes & Villains => Heroes Discussion => Topic started by: Risso on August 14, 2015, 12:14:40 PM

Title: Most black players?
Post by: Risso on August 14, 2015, 12:14:40 PM
I'll start this off by saying that I don't care what colour a player's skin is but given Brum's justified and enviable reputation as a vibrant, multicultural city, it would make me very proud if we field a team where every single outfield player was black, and it's distinctly possible:

Bacuna Richards Okore Amavi
Traore Sanchez Gueye
Gabby Ayew
Gestede

and we'd still have Sinclair, N'Zogbia and Richardson as subs.

Has any English club ever fielded a team wholly comprised of black players before, and after we were the last club to have an entirely English team back in the 90s, do you agree it would be a positive thing for the club if we were the first team to have all black outfield players?

If for nothing else, imagine John Terry's face.

Title: Re: Most black players?
Post by: Chico Hamilton III on August 14, 2015, 12:19:39 PM
We did set the record for playing the most black players in a game 20 years ago or so. It was at Everton, of all places. How many did we play? 7?
Title: Re: Most black players?
Post by: Clark W Griswold on August 14, 2015, 12:27:30 PM
We did set the record for playing the most black players in a game 20 years ago or so. It was at Everton, of all places. How many did we play? 7?

Yorke, Atkinson, Regis, McGrath, Daley, Small and possibly Paul Mortimer...?
Title: Re: Most black players?
Post by: The Laughing Policeman on August 14, 2015, 12:29:48 PM
One thing that puzzles me is the severe lack of British born Asians playing at a professional level. Surely there must be some out there that could make the step up from amateur/semi pro to full time professional football.
Title: Re: Most black players?
Post by: Toronto Villa on August 14, 2015, 12:29:51 PM
This thread takes me back a bit. To when Big Ron took us to Goodison.
Title: Re: Most black players?
Post by: RussellC on August 14, 2015, 12:33:13 PM
We did set the record for playing the most black players in a game 20 years ago or so. It was at Everton, of all places. How many did we play? 7?

Yorke, Atkinson, Regis, McGrath, Daley, Small and possibly Paul Mortimer...?

Earl Barrett?
Title: Re: Most black players?
Post by: Exeter 77 on August 14, 2015, 12:41:03 PM
Barrett hadn't joined us at that point.

According to this http://www.11v11.com/matches/everton-v-aston-villa-19-october-1991-90249/  the players were McGrath, Small, Blake, Yorke, Atkinson, Regis and Daley
Title: Re: Most black players?
Post by: Clark W Griswold on August 14, 2015, 12:42:54 PM
We did set the record for playing the most black players in a game 20 years ago or so. It was at Everton, of all places. How many did we play? 7?

Yorke, Atkinson, Regis, McGrath, Daley, Small and possibly Paul Mortimer...?

Earl Barrett?

No, Barrett signed later in the season.

I've since looked it up and I was right on all except Mortimer, wonder if anyone can get the seventh without looking up? I was there that day, but in actual fact hadn't remembered the score.
Title: Re: Most black players?
Post by: Havencheese on August 14, 2015, 12:45:16 PM
Outfield players is a curiosity in the OP.

I was always curious about Shaka Hislop and David James too. They weren't the first of course but in terms of the English game, previous to them I'd never really noticed any Goalies of African ancestry. There have been a few but not so many relatively speaking compared to other positions.
Title: Re: Most black players?
Post by: oldhill_avfc on August 14, 2015, 12:46:43 PM
I'll start this off by saying that I don't care what colour a player's skin is but given Brum's justified and enviable reputation as a vibrant, multicultural city, it would make me very proud if we field a team where every single outfield player was black, and it's distinctly possible:

Bacuna Richards Okore Amavi
Traore Sanchez Gueye
Gabby Ayew
Gestede

and we'd still have Sinclair, N'Zogbia and Richardson as subs.

Has any English club ever fielded a team wholly comprised of black players before, and after we were the last club to have an entirely English team back in the 90s, do you agree it would be a positive thing for the club if we were the first team to have all black outfield players?
If for nothing else, imagine John Terry's face.

I don't think it should be a positive, merely an insignificance as you allude to in your opening sentence.

Though I do believe you touch upon an important point in relating it to Birmingham though, in the sense that the team should represent and be both knowledgable and aligned to the values of the community it represents.  By community I mean the club, it's supporters and the wider population. 

Without this the players are no more than economic migrants and the club becomes an EPL franchise with all the negatives that it entails.
Title: Re: Most black players?
Post by: Smirker on August 14, 2015, 12:47:16 PM
One thing that puzzles me is the severe lack of British born Asians playing at a professional level. Surely there must be some out there that could make the step up from amateur/semi pro to full time professional football.

Easah Suliman in our academy is one. There have been a few like Michael Chopra, Harpal Singh etc but no real big stars. There was one at Fulham too with a Z in his name but I've forgot him.

It is odd as there are plenty of British Asian cricketers so it can't be because of cultural issues/family pressure, which is what I often hear people say.
Title: Re: Most black players?
Post by: maidstonevillain on August 14, 2015, 12:57:18 PM
One thing that puzzles me is the severe lack of British born Asians playing at a professional level. Surely there must be some out there that could make the step up from amateur/semi pro to full time professional football.

Easah Suliman in our academy is one. There have been a few like Michael Chopra, Harpal Singh etc but no real big stars. There was one at Fulham too with a Z in his name but I've forgot him.

It is odd as there are plenty of British Asian cricketers so it can't be because of cultural issues/family pressure, which is what I often hear people say.

At the risk of opening up the veritable can of worms, it is probably more a matter of physique.  Probably for a similar reason you do not get many Asian sprinters.
Title: Re: Most black players?
Post by: Percy McCarthy on August 14, 2015, 12:59:50 PM
One thing that puzzles me is the severe lack of British born Asians playing at a professional level. Surely there must be some out there that could make the step up from amateur/semi pro to full time professional football.

Easah Suliman in our academy is one. There have been a few like Michael Chopra, Harpal Singh etc but no real big stars. There was one at Fulham too with a Z in his name but I've forgot him.

It is odd as there are plenty of British Asian cricketers so it can't be because of cultural issues/family pressure, which is what I often hear people say.

I think there might have been two at Fulham, one a Villa fan. Zac Rehman or summat.
Title: Re: Most black players?
Post by: Ron Manager on August 14, 2015, 12:59:56 PM
Outfield players is a curiosity in the OP.

I was always curious about Shaka Hislop and David James too. They weren't the first of course but in terms of the English game, previous to them I'd never really noticed any Goalies of African ancestry. There have been a few but not so many relatively speaking compared to other positions.

Alex Williams at Man City in the seventies. Kevin Keelan who was born in India played for us in 1961 and forever for Norwich.
Title: Re: Most black players?
Post by: ClaretAndBlueBlood on August 14, 2015, 01:11:44 PM
Outfield players is a curiosity in the OP.

I was always curious about Shaka Hislop and David James too. They weren't the first of course but in terms of the English game, previous to them I'd never really noticed any Goalies of African ancestry. There have been a few but not so many relatively speaking compared to other positions.

we're all of African ancestry :-)
Title: Re: Most black players?
Post by: UK Redsox on August 14, 2015, 01:15:58 PM
Outfield players is a curiosity in the OP.

I was always curious about Shaka Hislop and David James too. They weren't the first of course but in terms of the English game, previous to them I'd never really noticed any Goalies of African ancestry. There have been a few but not so many relatively speaking compared to other positions.

we're all of African ancestry :-)

I'm from Mars

Title: Re: Most black players?
Post by: Smirker on August 14, 2015, 01:21:20 PM
One thing that puzzles me is the severe lack of British born Asians playing at a professional level. Surely there must be some out there that could make the step up from amateur/semi pro to full time professional football.

Easah Suliman in our academy is one. There have been a few like Michael Chopra, Harpal Singh etc but no real big stars. There was one at Fulham too with a Z in his name but I've forgot him.

It is odd as there are plenty of British Asian cricketers so it can't be because of cultural issues/family pressure, which is what I often hear people say.

I think there might have been two at Fulham, one a Villa fan. Zac Rehman or summat.

That's the one. Zesh Rehman.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zesh_Rehman

Had no idea he was from Birmingham.
Title: Re: Most black players?
Post by: tomd2103 on August 14, 2015, 01:40:34 PM
Outfield players is a curiosity in the OP.

I was always curious about Shaka Hislop and David James too. They weren't the first of course but in terms of the English game, previous to them I'd never really noticed any Goalies of African ancestry. There have been a few but not so many relatively speaking compared to other positions.

Alex Williams at Man City in the seventies. Kevin Keelan who was born in India played for us in 1961 and forever for Norwich.

Way before then, there was Arthur Wharton:

http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/29532529

According to legend, to avoid being shoulder charged by opposition players, he used to swing on the crossbar and catch the ball between his legs!!
Title: Re: Most black players?
Post by: andyh on August 14, 2015, 01:46:53 PM
Outfield players is a curiosity in the OP.

I was always curious about Shaka Hislop and David James too. They weren't the first of course but in terms of the English game, previous to them I'd never really noticed any Goalies of African ancestry. There have been a few but not so many relatively speaking compared to other positions.

we're all of African ancestry :-)
Fuckin' hell.
Dont tell that lot who are marching tomorrow...................................................then again !
Title: Re: Most black players?
Post by: silhillvilla on August 14, 2015, 02:06:50 PM
We did set the record for playing the most black players in a game 20 years ago or so. It was at Everton, of all places. How many did we play? 7?
8 at a time when Everton had still never had a black player
Title: Re: Most black players?
Post by: Ron Manager on August 14, 2015, 02:09:32 PM
We did set the record for playing the most black players in a game 20 years ago or so. It was at Everton, of all places. How many did we play? 7?
8 at a time when Everton had still never had a black player

They did I think....Cliff Marshall
Title: Re: Most black players?
Post by: silhillvilla on August 14, 2015, 02:12:38 PM
We did set the record for playing the most black players in a game 20 years ago or so. It was at Everton, of all places. How many did we play? 7?
8 at a time when Everton had still never had a black player

They did I think....Cliff Marshall
Who ?
Title: Re: Most black players?
Post by: Ron Manager on August 14, 2015, 02:18:42 PM
We did set the record for playing the most black players in a game 20 years ago or so. It was at Everton, of all places. How many did we play? 7?
8 at a time when Everton had still never had a black player

They did I think....Cliff Marshall
Who ?

Cliff Marshall!
Title: Re: Most black players?
Post by: pauliewalnuts on August 14, 2015, 02:20:07 PM
I'll start this off by saying that I don't care what colour a player's skin is

RACIST ^^^ - RACIST ^^^  - RACIST ^^^  - RACIST ^^^  - RACIST ^^^  - RACIST ^^^  - RACIST ^^^  - RACIST ^^^ 
Title: Re: Most black players?
Post by: peter w on August 14, 2015, 02:25:44 PM
I know its not mean in a bad way whatsoever but this thread is now kind of out of date. From threads about having black players being relevant about 15 years ago how many are in the team is now so old hat that it is redundant. Quite simply I know longer care how many, if any, black players are in the team. Black players do not find barriers in the playing sphere of football so the number is a moot point. How many are coaches and managers is more important as there still seems to be a barrier there, so, save any pride for Villa leading from the front again when the chance comes. Also, as has been pointed out, the next playing barrier would be to get more sub-continent Asians into the game at any level.
Title: Re: Most black players?
Post by: LeeB on August 14, 2015, 02:32:01 PM
We did set the record for playing the most black players in a game 20 years ago or so. It was at Everton, of all places. How many did we play? 7?

Yorke, Atkinson, Regis, McGrath, Daley, Small and possibly Paul Mortimer...?

Earl Barrett?

Mark Blake
Title: Re: Most black players?
Post by: Deano's Mullet on August 14, 2015, 02:35:10 PM
Ehiogu maybe? he actually played a few games before that "debut" vs Norwich. don't think Atkinson played.
Title: Re: Most black players?
Post by: Deano's Mullet on August 14, 2015, 02:36:57 PM
Starting lineup:

Goalkeeper Les Sealey

Defender Dariusz Kubicki

Defender/Centre back Shaun Teale

Defender/Midfielder Paul McGrath

Defender/Left back Bryan Small

Midfielder Mark Blake

Midfielder Kevin Richardson

Forward Dwight Yorke

Forward Dalian Atkinson

Forward Cyrille Regis

Forward Tony Daley


Blake it was
Title: Re: Most black players?
Post by: Risso on August 14, 2015, 02:37:48 PM
I know its not mean in a bad way whatsoever but this thread is now kind of out of date. From threads about having black players being relevant about 15 years ago how many are in the team is now so old hat that it is redundant. Quite simply I know longer care how many, if any, black players are in the team. Black players do not find barriers in the playing sphere of football so the number is a moot point. How many are coaches and managers is more important as there still seems to be a barrier there, so, save any pride for Villa leading from the front again when the chance comes. Also, as has been pointed out, the next playing barrier would be to get more sub-continent Asians into the game at any level.

When we've got a game tonight because a bunch of racist morons are marching tomorrow, I like the message it sends out that we have a team that is dominated by black players.    There might not be barriers to playing for black players, but there are still plenty of racist incidents, so whether I'm wrong or right I think it's something for the club and the city to be proud of. 
Title: Re: Most black players?
Post by: Can Gana Be Bettered!?!? on August 14, 2015, 02:47:32 PM
I know its not mean in a bad way whatsoever but this thread is now kind of out of date. From threads about having black players being relevant about 15 years ago how many are in the team is now so old hat that it is redundant. Quite simply I know longer care how many, if any, black players are in the team. Black players do not find barriers in the playing sphere of football so the number is a moot point. How many are coaches and managers is more important as there still seems to be a barrier there, so, save any pride for Villa leading from the front again when the chance comes. Also, as has been pointed out, the next playing barrier would be to get more sub-continent Asians into the game at any level.

When we've got a game tonight because a bunch of racist morons are marching tomorrow, I like the message it sends out that we have a team that is dominated by black players.    There might not be barriers to playing for black players, but there are still plenty of racist incidents, so whether I'm wrong or right I think it's something for the club and the city to be proud of. 

The morons marching tomorrow probably don't care about black players as they probably consider them "one of us". I get the impression it's Asians they're more focussed on.

Either way they're fucking bellends!
Title: Re: Most black players?
Post by: SirSteveUK on August 14, 2015, 02:54:57 PM
Outfield players is a curiosity in the OP.

I was always curious about Shaka Hislop and David James too. They weren't the first of course but in terms of the English game, previous to them I'd never really noticed any Goalies of African ancestry. There have been a few but not so many relatively speaking compared to other positions.

we're all of African ancestry :-)

I'm from Mars

Victim of a colour Bar ??
Title: Re: Most black players?
Post by: dave shelley on August 14, 2015, 03:18:01 PM
Now there's an expression I haven't heard in the best part of fifty years (thankfully).  Colour Bar. 
Title: Re: Most black players?
Post by: PeterWithe on August 14, 2015, 03:25:48 PM
*Internal Jukebox strikes up The Way it Is, Bruce Hornsby*
Title: Re: Most black players?
Post by: Toronto Villa on August 14, 2015, 03:27:42 PM
I'll start this off by saying that I don't care what colour a player's skin is

RACIST ^^^ - RACIST ^^^  - RACIST ^^^  - RACIST ^^^  - RACIST ^^^  - RACIST ^^^  - RACIST ^^^  - RACIST ^^^ 

Risso's like that bloke that shouts something racist and turns to his black 'friend', "No offence mate". Black friend thinks, "No off course not"
Title: Re: Most black players?
Post by: peter w on August 14, 2015, 03:29:56 PM
I know its not mean in a bad way whatsoever but this thread is now kind of out of date. From threads about having black players being relevant about 15 years ago how many are in the team is now so old hat that it is redundant. Quite simply I know longer care how many, if any, black players are in the team. Black players do not find barriers in the playing sphere of football so the number is a moot point. How many are coaches and managers is more important as there still seems to be a barrier there, so, save any pride for Villa leading from the front again when the chance comes. Also, as has been pointed out, the next playing barrier would be to get more sub-continent Asians into the game at any level.

When we've got a game tonight because a bunch of racist morons are marching tomorrow, I like the message it sends out that we have a team that is dominated by black players.    There might not be barriers to playing for black players, but there are still plenty of racist incidents, so whether I'm wrong or right I think it's something for the club and the city to be proud of. 

Oh I fully get your point and you're right. i'm just saying that nowadays we should be past being proud of allowing black people to have the same rights and employment opportunities as white people. I think we should celebrate being multi cultural but only if black people, and others, feel they can and should join in too. Are black people proud of Villa and the amount of black people in the team/squad nowadays? I just think that we are so successful at it in this city that we barely notice it. My mates are largely black and I doubt they care that much either. Its something that we don't celebrate enough as a city though.

As an aside one of the most amazing things for football firms in the 70s and 80s and what set the Zulus apart was that they were completely multi racial. The only firm of the time that was. Even then we were first as a city.

Will be interesting if the press pick up on how many black players start tonight or are in the match day squad. I hope not, though, as it has a slightly anachronistic feel to it.
Title: Re: Most black players?
Post by: peter w on August 14, 2015, 03:33:27 PM
I'll start this off by saying that I don't care what colour a player's skin is

RACIST ^^^ - RACIST ^^^  - RACIST ^^^  - RACIST ^^^  - RACIST ^^^  - RACIST ^^^  - RACIST ^^^  - RACIST ^^^ 

Risso's like that bloke that shouts something racist and turns to his black 'friend', "No offence mate". Black friend thinks, "No off course not"

Playing darts last season against a team and there was this huge hulking black bloke in the away team. Or 'silverback' as he was wonderfully called. Good player and some slightly pissed bloke comes in who vaguely uses the pub and stood and watched for a bit. As said bloke hit another ton, pissed bloke say, "Well its not fair is it? You lot are used to throwing spears". I was marking an my mate was calling and threw this bloke a look. "Oh its okay. I've known him for years". 'Silverback' didn't have a look on his face that suggested it was all right, though.
Title: Re: Most black players?
Post by: peter w on August 14, 2015, 03:34:56 PM
Can someone do that father Ted ' I hear you're a racist now Father' to Risso's first post?

I think Risso is just trying to smoke some of us out to see if he can meet up with someone before he marches tomorrow through Birmingham...
Title: Re: Most black players?
Post by: Toronto Villa on August 14, 2015, 03:48:15 PM
Risso enjoying the country air

(http://s2.quickmeme.com/img/ea/eaa1aa29a9d877a2c47fd2fd69ae26a1b27308c0ada725ed1d7bb0028ca3cc49.jpg)
Title: Re: Most black players?
Post by: Risso on August 14, 2015, 03:55:38 PM
I'll start this off by saying that I don't care what colour a player's skin is

RACIST ^^^ - RACIST ^^^  - RACIST ^^^  - RACIST ^^^  - RACIST ^^^  - RACIST ^^^  - RACIST ^^^  - RACIST ^^^ 

Risso's like that bloke that shouts something racist and turns to his black 'friend', "No offence mate". Black friend thinks, "No off course not"

I am?
Title: Re: Most black players?
Post by: Toronto Villa on August 14, 2015, 03:56:36 PM
I'll start this off by saying that I don't care what colour a player's skin is

RACIST ^^^ - RACIST ^^^  - RACIST ^^^  - RACIST ^^^  - RACIST ^^^  - RACIST ^^^  - RACIST ^^^  - RACIST ^^^ 

Risso's like that bloke that shouts something racist and turns to his black 'friend', "No offence mate". Black friend thinks, "No off course not"

I am?

No, off course you're not you big dope. But we are going to have some fun with you nonetheless
Title: Re: Most black players?
Post by: The Laughing Policeman on August 14, 2015, 03:59:10 PM
I'll start this off by saying that I don't care what colour a player's skin is

RACIST ^^^ - RACIST ^^^  - RACIST ^^^  - RACIST ^^^  - RACIST ^^^  - RACIST ^^^  - RACIST ^^^  - RACIST ^^^ 

Risso's like that bloke that shouts something racist and turns to his black 'friend', "No offence mate". Black friend thinks, "No off course not"

I am?
I think you set yourself up by your poor choice of  words. It does have the ring of the old chestnut "I'm not racist some of my best friends are black but............"
Title: Re: Most black players?
Post by: JJ-AV on August 14, 2015, 04:08:25 PM
I could see somebody finding this thread offensive.
Title: Re: Most black players?
Post by: frankmosswasmyuncle on August 14, 2015, 04:14:36 PM
Outfield players is a curiosity in the OP.

I was always curious about Shaka Hislop and David James too. They weren't the first of course but in terms of the English game, previous to them I'd never really noticed any Goalies of African ancestry. There have been a few but not so many relatively speaking compared to other positions.

Alex Williams at Man City in the seventies. Kevin Keelan who was born in India played for us in 1961 and forever for Norwich.

Way before then, there was Arthur Wharton:

http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/29532529

According to legend, to avoid being shoulder charged by opposition players, he used to swing on the crossbar and catch the ball between his legs!!
Really good poem about him - and racism in football generally - that I used to use with my classes...
Here's My Pitch by Jackie Kay.

Arthur was a Blade.
Title: Re: Most black players?
Post by: Risso on August 14, 2015, 04:18:28 PM
I'll start this off by saying that I don't care what colour a player's skin is

RACIST ^^^ - RACIST ^^^  - RACIST ^^^  - RACIST ^^^  - RACIST ^^^  - RACIST ^^^  - RACIST ^^^  - RACIST ^^^ 

Risso's like that bloke that shouts something racist and turns to his black 'friend', "No offence mate". Black friend thinks, "No off course not"

I am?
I think you set yourself up by your poor choice of  words. It does have the ring of the old chestnut "I'm not racist some of my best friends are black but............"

Could you explain why it was a poor choice of words? In fact, don't bother, I thought it would be something worthy of mention, but obviously not.
Title: Re: Most black players?
Post by: The Laughing Policeman on August 14, 2015, 04:22:35 PM
Here's the poem and article about it in the Gaurdian also with a photo of Arthur Wharton.  Poem  (http://www.theguardian.com/books/2012/oct/26/jackie-kay-poetry-football-racism)
Title: Re: Most black players?
Post by: The Laughing Policeman on August 14, 2015, 04:28:58 PM
I'll start this off by saying that I don't care what colour a player's skin is

RACIST ^^^ - RACIST ^^^  - RACIST ^^^  - RACIST ^^^  - RACIST ^^^  - RACIST ^^^  - RACIST ^^^  - RACIST ^^^ 

Risso's like that bloke that shouts something racist and turns to his black 'friend', "No offence mate". Black friend thinks, "No off course not"

I am?
I think you set yourself up by your poor choice of  words. It does have the ring of the old chestnut "I'm not racist some of my best friends are black but............"

Could you explain why it was a poor choice of words? In fact, don't bother, I thought it would be something worthy of mention, but obviously not.
What I was trying to say was that your opening words made me think straight away of the old phrase that I mentioned. I wasn't having a go at you and I apologise if that's how I came across.
Title: Re: Most black players?
Post by: Risso on August 14, 2015, 04:42:31 PM
Isn't the key point of the "I'm not racist but....." thing that the person then goes on to say something racist?
Title: Re: Most black players?
Post by: paul_e on August 14, 2015, 04:53:26 PM
Isn't the key point of the "I'm not racist but....." thing that the person then goes on to say something racist?

Yes, and obviously you didn't do that but I can understand why people are making that reference, I doubt anyone is remotely seriously though, and it has given someone a chance to reference Father Ted which is a sure sign that a thread is going to be a good one.
Title: Re: Most black players?
Post by: Percy McCarthy on August 14, 2015, 04:57:06 PM
I know its not mean in a bad way whatsoever but this thread is now kind of out of date. From threads about having black players being relevant about 15 years ago how many are in the team is now so old hat that it is redundant. Quite simply I know longer care how many, if any, black players are in the team. Black players do not find barriers in the playing sphere of football so the number is a moot point. How many are coaches and managers is more important as there still seems to be a barrier there, so, save any pride for Villa leading from the front again when the chance comes. Also, as has been pointed out, the next playing barrier would be to get more sub-continent Asians into the game at any level.

When we've got a game tonight because a bunch of racist morons are marching tomorrow, I like the message it sends out that we have a team that is dominated by black players.    There might not be barriers to playing for black players, but there are still plenty of racist incidents, so whether I'm wrong or right I think it's something for the club and the city to be proud of. 

Oh I fully get your point and you're right. i'm just saying that nowadays we should be past being proud of allowing black people to have the same rights and employment opportunities as white people. I think we should celebrate being multi cultural but only if black people, and others, feel they can and should join in too. Are black people proud of Villa and the amount of black people in the team/squad nowadays? I just think that we are so successful at it in this city that we barely notice it. My mates are largely black and I doubt they care that much either. Its something that we don't celebrate enough as a city though.

As an aside one of the most amazing things for football firms in the 70s and 80s and what set the Zulus apart was that they were completely multi racial. The only firm of the time that was. Even then we were first as a city.

Will be interesting if the press pick up on how many black players start tonight or are in the match day squad. I hope not, though, as it has a slightly anachronistic feel to it.

We had a multi-racial firm when they still looked like the mugs marching tomorrow and used to graffiti 'BCNFC' all over the shop.

They didn't like Danny Brown much.
Title: Re: Most black players?
Post by: Toronto Villa on August 14, 2015, 05:00:07 PM
Need to make sure this thread doesn't get off track. There is nothing at all sinister or I'll meaning in the subject matter or indeed on part of the poster.
Title: Re: Most black players?
Post by: Percy McCarthy on August 14, 2015, 05:08:02 PM
Let's clear this up. There's not a hint of racism in anything Risso's ever posted, and I have a forensic nose and a good memory where racism is concerned.
Title: Re: Most black players?
Post by: Toronto Villa on August 14, 2015, 05:11:27 PM
Agree Percy. He's been daft, stupid, insensitive, angry, dismissive, nonsensical, comical, wrong, belligerent, difficult, foolish, clown like, miserable, but I have never, ever heard him spout anything racist.


No offence Riss...







WINKY THANG
Title: Re: Most black players?
Post by: PeterWithesShin on August 14, 2015, 05:15:19 PM
I thought that said wanky thing!

I'll add to the Risso love-in, never ever been a hint of racism from him. It's just been a bit of joshing by posters that has been taken the wrong way/gone a bit ott.
Title: Re: Most black players?
Post by: Toronto Villa on August 14, 2015, 05:18:25 PM
I thought that said wanky thing!

I'll add to the Risso love-in, never ever been a hint of racism from him. It's just been a bit of joshing by posters that has been taken the wrong way/gone a bit ott.

Erm yeh...








Thank fuck for autocorrect
Title: Re: Most black players?
Post by: Percy McCarthy on August 14, 2015, 05:24:37 PM
Agree Percy. He's been daft, stupid, insensitive, angry, dismissive, nonsensical, comical, wrong, belligerent, difficult, foolish, clown like, miserable, but I have never, ever heard him spout anything racist.


No offence Riss...







WINKY THANG

Don't forget Manc-loving Tory.

WT2.
Title: Re: Most black players?
Post by: supertom on August 14, 2015, 05:25:32 PM
Don't care if we sign bright green players as long as they do the shirt justice. But this is another indicator of just how great the Premier League and football in this country generally is. There are still countries in Europe a hell of a long way behind us with regards to diversity and acceptance and though we've got a game tonight on account of an EDL march, bollocks like this isn't as commonplace in our country as it used to be, nor as it still is in some other countries.

Frankly the lot that Timmy has signed has got me genuinely excited about this season. It could all go horribly wrong, but...BUT...we could pulls peoples pants down this season and surprise them. We've taken a gamble, but it's an exciting one which could pay off fantastically.
Title: Re: Most black players?
Post by: Villa in Denmark on August 14, 2015, 05:31:05 PM
Don't care if we sign bright green players as long as they do the shirt justice. But this is another indicator of just how great the Premier League and football in this country generally is. There are still countries in Europe a hell of a long way behind us with regards to diversity and acceptance and though we've got a game tonight on account of an EDL march, bollocks like this isn't as commonplace in our country as it used to be, nor as it still is in some other countries.

Frankly the lot that Timmy has signed has got me genuinely excited about this season. It could all go horribly wrong, but...BUT...we could pulls peoples pants down this season and surprise them. We've taken a gamble, but it's an exciting one which could pay off fantastically.

When did we sign Adam Johnson?
Title: Re: Most black players?
Post by: supertom on August 14, 2015, 05:50:38 PM
Don't care if we sign bright green players as long as they do the shirt justice. But this is another indicator of just how great the Premier League and football in this country generally is. There are still countries in Europe a hell of a long way behind us with regards to diversity and acceptance and though we've got a game tonight on account of an EDL march, bollocks like this isn't as commonplace in our country as it used to be, nor as it still is in some other countries.

Frankly the lot that Timmy has signed has got me genuinely excited about this season. It could all go horribly wrong, but...BUT...we could pulls peoples pants down this season and surprise them. We've taken a gamble, but it's an exciting one which could pay off fantastically.

When did we sign Adam Johnson?
There's still time...he just needs to move to France and pull a Downey Jnr in Tropic Thunder.
Title: Re: Most black players?
Post by: pauliewalnuts on August 14, 2015, 06:18:00 PM
I can only speak for myself, but when I, errr, added a scrolling, red ink accusation of racism pointing at Risso's post, of course I was joking.

I didn't think anyone would actually take it seriously!
Title: Re: Most black players?
Post by: Jimbo on August 14, 2015, 06:57:41 PM
It's a bit late for that now, Paulie. Risso was put inside a wicker man near his home at around 5pm and burned to death.
Title: Re: Most black players?
Post by: paul_e on August 14, 2015, 07:01:47 PM
It's a bit late for that now, Paulie. Risso was put inside a wicker man near his home at around 5pm and burned to death.

Just another Friday on the Isle of Man then.
Title: Re: Most black players?
Post by: dave shelley on August 14, 2015, 07:05:05 PM
I feel sorry for Risso.  There's such a feelgood factor on here at the moment that the slightest sign of anything that can possibly be seized upon invariably by its very nature will be.  The fact that people are taking the piss is inevitable, I'm only glad it's not me. 

In no way, shape or form do I associate  anything in Risso's post as racist!  He should never be forgiven for living in Manchester though!
Title: Re: Most black players?
Post by: dave shelley on August 14, 2015, 07:07:04 PM
I feel sorry for Risso.  There's such a feelgood factor on here at the moment that the slightest sign of anything that can possibly be seized upon invariably by its very nature will be.  The fact that people are taking the piss is inevitable, I'm only glad it's not me. 

In no way, shape or form do I associate  anything in Risso's post as racist!  He should never be forgiven for living in Manchester though!
Title: Re: Most black players?
Post by: Jimbo on August 14, 2015, 07:11:04 PM
The irony of it all, of course, is that Risso is black.
Title: Re: Most black players?
Post by: dave shelley on August 14, 2015, 07:12:33 PM
Double post "doh".
Title: Re: Most black players?
Post by: Bad English on August 14, 2015, 09:53:15 PM
Risso's post was never racist, merely redundant/superfluous. I suggest a long session upon a psychiatrist's couch answering the question "Why?"

;-)
Title: Re: Most black players?
Post by: supertom on August 14, 2015, 10:00:01 PM
Title: Re: Most black players?
Post by: adrenachrome on August 14, 2015, 10:11:20 PM
Can't be bothered to the read the all 5 pages of thread.  So Risso's been going in for a bit of the old racism, has he?

Fecking Greeks.

Title: Re: Most black players?
Post by: Stu on August 14, 2015, 10:15:49 PM
I hear you're a racist now, Risso? How did you get interested in that type of thing? Everyone's saying it, Risso. Should we all be racist now?
Title: Re: Most black players?
Post by: Archie on August 14, 2015, 10:38:13 PM
I absolutely do not think that the Risso's post is racist.
But I do not see the point.
After the iconic claret and blue shirt suffered  the worst humiliations in the recent past, I would like 11 outfield good players no matter if they are black, white, yellow or blue.
Title: Re: Most black players?
Post by: Stu on August 14, 2015, 10:48:08 PM
I absolutely do not think that the Risso's post is racist.
But I do not see the point.
After the iconic claret and blue shirt suffered  the worst humiliations in the recent past, I would like 11 outfield good players no matter if they are black, white, yellow or blue.

Hi Archie. Just for the avoidance of doubt, I was making a joke by quoting the excellent Father Ted scene in the YouTube video above my post.

All the best :)
Title: Re: Most black players?
Post by: dave.woodhall on August 14, 2015, 11:33:56 PM

What about hairy Japanese bastards?
Title: Re: Most black players?
Post by: Percy McCarthy on August 14, 2015, 11:37:33 PM
I absolutely do not think that the Risso's post is racist.
But I do not see the point.
After the iconic claret and blue shirt suffered  the worst humiliations in the recent past, I would like 11 outfield good players no matter if they are black, white, yellow or blue.

...and a white goalie.

Racist.*

*joke.

Title: Re: Most black players?
Post by: ChicagoLion on August 15, 2015, 03:58:53 AM
i was hopeing we had gone beyond these types of comparisons.

They are Villa players, nothing more nothing less.
Title: Re: Most black players?
Post by: robbo1874 on August 15, 2015, 05:15:06 AM
How about an alternative thread of 'most good players' ?

Last season I'd say we had:

Benteke
Westwood
Grealish
Clarke
Guzan

Out of those above, for various reasons, but mainly due to injury, only really Westwood consistently performed in my view.

Far better topic for discussion than the number of black players, I would suggest.
Title: Re: Most black players?
Post by: olaftab on August 16, 2015, 09:36:13 AM
I have read through this thread and I am sorry but I can not figure out where or how anyone has called this racist?
There is lot piss taking and rightly so as others have pointed we are way past this now since BFR's "black four".  Thread is not appropriate but rather than tell Risso on here I have invited him to a BBQ at my house this afternoon and he has turned me down because all the meat is halal. He should be slaughtered for that but that's just me😻
Title: Re: Most black players?
Post by: Madferret62 on August 16, 2015, 10:59:27 AM
I'll start this off by saying that I don't care what colour a player's skin is

RACIST ^^^ - RACIST ^^^  - RACIST ^^^  - RACIST ^^^  - RACIST ^^^  - RACIST ^^^  - RACIST ^^^  - RACIST ^^^ 

Sort yourself out it isn't racist to talk about race.
Title: Re: Most black players?
Post by: Pete3206 on August 16, 2015, 12:07:00 PM
You have to laugh
Title: Re: Most black players?
Post by: Madferret62 on August 16, 2015, 12:20:53 PM
Well look here, I understand that I'm being accused of plagiarism, plagiarism me! I supose one must ocassionallly suffer the slings and arrows of  inconvenient fortune, but really a chap ought to expect certain standards.

I ought to have expected some reaction from quoting a man, notwithstanding his pedigree, who is in dire need of a decent haircut and really ought to detach himself from all is left wingery he has become embroiled in. That man is of course Boris Johnson of the courtney-fuckwit Johnson's erstwhile purveyors of common sense and moral rectitude. For it is he who drew my attention to the fact that all the ballyhoo about race is in itself racist in the extreme and Merely discussing darker chaps isn't racist at all.

But there you go, I've acknowledged his erudite contribution to the debate and expect to hear nothing further on the matter.
Title: Re: Most black players?
Post by: peter w on August 16, 2015, 02:00:31 PM
Racist
Title: Re: Most black players?
Post by: Percy McCarthy on August 17, 2015, 03:39:54 PM
I'll start this off by saying that I don't care what colour a player's skin is

RACIST ^^^ - RACIST ^^^  - RACIST ^^^  - RACIST ^^^  - RACIST ^^^  - RACIST ^^^  - RACIST ^^^  - RACIST ^^^ 

Sort yourself out it isn't racist to talk about race.

Whoosh!
Title: Re: Most black players?
Post by: Holte L2 on August 17, 2015, 03:43:54 PM
We did set the record for playing the most black players in a game 20 years ago or so. It was at Everton, of all places. How many did we play? 7?

Yorke, Atkinson, Regis, McGrath, Daley, Small and possibly Paul Mortimer...?

Earl Barrett?

No, Barrett signed later in the season.

I've since looked it up and I was right on all except Mortimer, wonder if anyone can get the seventh without looking up? I was there that day, but in actual fact hadn't remembered the score.

if it's not been mentioned, Mark Blake was the seventh playing that day.  Regis and Daley scored if I remember.
Title: Re: Most black players?
Post by: Rudy Can't Fail on August 17, 2015, 03:53:57 PM
Let's clear this up. There's not a hint of racism in anything Risso's ever posted, and I have a forensic nose and a good memory where racism is concerned.

Not sure about that. Have you ever played a Belle & Sebastian record backwards?

The Klan would be proud.
Title: Re: Most black players?
Post by: Risso on August 17, 2015, 04:04:19 PM
Let's clear this up. There's not a hint of racism in anything Risso's ever posted, and I have a forensic nose and a good memory where racism is concerned.

Not sure about that. Have you ever played a Belle & Sebastian record backwards?

The Klan would be proud.

Indeed, the lyics "ooh you've got a nice cardie, the big boys were mean to me" from their ace song "Hello Kitty backpacks in the playground" when played backwards sounds like "Hitler was misunderstood and anyway he built some great roads."
Title: Re: Most black players?
Post by: Rudy Can't Fail on August 17, 2015, 04:04:51 PM
How many are coaches and managers is more important as there still seems to be a barrier there, so, save any pride for Villa leading from the front again when the chance comes.

I think the club are heading in the right direction, we have afterall appointed an orange manager.
Title: Re: Most black players?
Post by: Pat McMahon on August 17, 2015, 05:21:29 PM
How many are coaches and managers is more important as there still seems to be a barrier there, so, save any pride for Villa leading from the front again when the chance comes.

I think the club are heading in the right direction, we have afterall appointed an orange manager.

There goes our Catholic support then
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