Football League chairman: 'Rooney Rule needed in English football'

Football League chairman Greg Clarke is hopeful that the implementation of the 'Rooney Rule' in English football will allow more coaches from a Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) background to gain work.

Only four black managers are currently employed at the 72 Football League clubs - Chris Ramsey, Chris Hughton, Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink and Keith Curle.

From the 2016-17 season, at least one manager from a BAME background will be interviewed for each vacancy, using the policy adopted by American Football sides since 2003.

"I am in no doubt, whatsoever, that our clubs make employment decisions for managerial and coaching positions on the basis of merit alone," Clarke told the Football League's official website. "They do so because they believe the relevant individuals are the right people to take their club forward.

"However, it is also apparent that this is an industry that places great value on previous experience and personal relationships which can sometimes act as a barrier to those that are less able to get a foot in the door.

"These proposals are intended to try and address such issues, which seem to disproportionately affect those from a BAME background, while at the same time leaving employment decisions solely in the hands of clubs, as it should always be for them to decide who they wish to employ."

The ruling has also been given the full backing of Dan Rooney, the chairman of Pittsburgh Steelers and the architect of NFL's 'Rooney Rule'.

He added: "I am encouraged to see The Football League taking inspiration from the work of the NFL while creating a programme of measures that are tailored to the specific challenges facing English soccer. I hope these proposals make the same impact in England that the Rooney Rule has in the NFL."

The League is now planning to engage with clubs and stakeholders in the hope of finalising the proposals in time for a formal vote at the 2016 Annual General Meeting.