Paul Canoville

[richart]

If you get the chance, watch the Sky Sports programme on Paul Canoville. He was the first black player to play for Chelsea, forced out of the Club by racism, not just from supporters away and home, but also from one of his own team mates.

He joined Reading, and I was lucky enough to see him play. I am sure he would have been a Reading legend, but his career was cut short by a terrible injury.

His life after football has to be seen to be believed. incredibly emotional watch, and so pleased to see he has survived and is giving so much back.

 

[Blue in Munich]

I'll second that, an excellent programme; my only disappointment is that it didn't out the players (it was more than one apparently) responsible for the abuse.

 

[HomerJSimpson]

Saw him at an "evening with"... alongside Pat Nevin. Great night even though I don't support any of the teams he played for. Superb and honest bloke who told it exactly how it was about being the first black player and the inherent problems that produced. The guy could play a bit too. Saw the TV programme as well

 

[Adi2Dassler]

Had never heard of him prior to last week, what a guy.

 

[Piece]

Will try to watch

In a similar vein, there's an ITV Life Story on John Barnes after the Italy football game tonight. He had his far share of racist incidents in the 80s, some of which I saw

 

[Qwerty]

His life after football has to be seen to be believed. incredibly emotional watch, and so pleased to see he has survived and is giving so much back.

I watched it last night and an emotional watch definately sums it up. I was pretty moved after seeing the programme.

I'd never heard of him either tbh, maybe a little before my time but he certainly looked some player in his day.
But What a roller coaster life the guy has had. You couldn't help but feel for him as he was telling his story.

 

[richart]

I was really excited when we signed Canoville. £50,000 was a lot of money for Reading in those days. He looked class, but his injury was horrific, and there was no way he was ever going to play again. 12 games I think he played for us, but he is still remembered as one of our best players.

Pat Nevin came across as a good guy in the programme.

 

[Blue in Munich]

Saw him at an "evening with"... alongside Pat Nevin. Great night even though I don't support any of the teams he played for. Superb and honest bloke who told it exactly how it was about being the first black player and the inherent problems that produced. The guy could play a bit too. Saw the TV programme as well

I watched it last night and an emotional watch definately sums it up. I was pretty moved after seeing the programme.

I'd never heard of him either tbh, maybe a little before my time but he certainly looked some player in his day.
But What a roller coaster life the guy has had. You couldn't help but feel for him as he was telling his story.

He could be incredibly frustrating, but when he was on and that section of the crowd weren't on his back he was an absolute joy to watch; he had it all. He was the inspiration behind an old chant;

Three nil down,
Four Three up,
Dougie Rougvie "made an error" (I'm sure you can work it out….)
La la la la, la la la, la la.

Three nil down to Sheffield Wednesday in a cup game away, Canoville came on at half time, scored in about 15 seconds, turned it around to 3-4, then Doug the Thug gave away the penalty….. :angry:

 

[Deleted member 18588]

A fascinating programme about a fascinating man.

Also rather thought provoking as it reminded me of the racism that was common on the terraces everywhere at the time.

Now I can't help but feel guilty that, whilst I did not join in, I did not speak out at the time. I realise that it would have achieved little except, perhaps, a thumping for me but I still shudder when I recall some of what was shouted.

Society still has not changed completely.

Only last year at my golf club and after the post match meal I was told by a member of the other club's team that Arsenal had no English players.

"what about Walcott and Oxlade- Chamberlain?" I asked.

You may have already guessed his answer; "They don't count!"

He was told to apologise by his Captain but it was too late for me, I had already walked out and will never play at or against that Club ever again.

 

[Deleted member 15344]

Have it on record to watch at some point - sounds like it's a very good watch

 

[richart]

Have it on record to watch at some point - sounds like it's a very good watch

Will not spoil it for you Phil, but have a hankie ready when he talks about his kids.

 

[HomerJSimpson]

He could be incredibly frustrating, but when he was on and that section of the crowd weren't on his back he was an absolute joy to watch; he had it all. He was the inspiration behind an old chant;

Three nil down,
Four Three up,
Dougie Rougvie "made an error" (I'm sure you can work it out….)
La la la la, la la la, la la.

Three nil down to Sheffield Wednesday in a cup game away, Canoville came on at half time, scored in about 15 seconds, turned it around to 3-4, then Doug the Thug gave away the penalty….. :angry:

Doug Rougvie - I remember him coming to Fulham for a season or two. "Douggie's going to get you" was the favourite cry to the opposition striker/ball player and 9/10 he usually did. Not an ounce of skill and a proper old style enforcer

 

[Liverbirdie]

I watched it last night and an emotional watch definately sums it up. I was pretty moved after seeing the programme.

I'd never heard of him either tbh, maybe a little before my time but he certainly looked some player in his day.
But What a roller coaster life the guy has had. You couldn't help but feel for him as he was telling his story.

You've blanked it out, cos Man U were rubbish then.

Good winger, when Chelsea had a good team. Nevin, Canoville, Spackman, Speedie, Durie and Kerry Dixon.


I'll try and give this a watch, and around then was probably the height of racism at football grounds.

To think that some of them players went to bigger clubs like Everton at the time.

 

[pbrown7582]

You've blanked it out, cos Man U were rubbish then.

:

except for 2 games a season

souns like a programme to watch on catch up.

 

[Liverbirdie]

except for 2 games a season

souns like a programme to watch on catch up.

Actually, you had a great team in 1986 - won your first 10 games, and I remember the media saying give them the trophy now. You finished 4th, as I recall.:rofl:

You were a good cup team around the time though.

 

[pbrown7582]

Actually, you had a great team in 1986 - won your first 10 games, and I remember the media saying give them the trophy now. You finished 4th, as I recall.:rofl:

You were a good cup team around the time though.

85 only needed 10 men! :whoo:

Suppose it's a FACT that 4th in a 1 horse race not quite as bad as 4th in a 2 horse race.
One man team once captain marvels the shoulder went we were doomed!