Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink: 'Racism in football has never held me back'

By Daniel Lewis, Senior Reporter | 10 December 2015

QPR boss Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink offers a personal insight into his own personal experiences of racism in football, claiming that it has never held him back.

Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink has insisted that he has never been racially discriminated against throughout his football career.

The Dutchman enjoyed a long and distinguished playing career with the likes of Chelsea, Leeds United and Middlesbrough, before turning his hand to management.

Having been given a chance to succeed at Burton Albion, Hasselbaink's impressive work at the Pirelli Stadium earned him a step up to the Championship where he has recently taken charge of Queens Park Rangers.

Speaking to BBC Sport about the issue of racism in sport, the 43-year-old said: "I hate that phrase - 'ethnic minority'. Yes I'm a black manager but I go with the flow. If I want a job, I'll apply for it and believe I'm good enough to take that club forward.

"Have I been personally discriminated against? Not that I know or think of. Yes I've applied for jobs and failed at the interview stage but I've had my chance at Burton and now I have my chance at QPR."

Hasselbaink's first game in charge of QPR will come at home against Burnley on Saturday afternoon.