UK Football Trials Agent Makes Sky Sports Documentary
UK Football Trials’ agent has been working on a documentary set to air on Sky Sports tomorrow, focusing on the struggles of the first black player ever to play for Chelsea. Tony Awor, our Head Scout and Head of Player Placement, has spent the last three months trying to shed some light on the story of Paul Canoville, who suffered heavy racial abuse in his spell with the blues from 1981-86.
“Paul was such an important player in the history of not only Chelsea Football Club, but the whole of English football, and I think it’s important to bring some attention to his story and what he went through,” said Tony. “He paved the way for the likes of Drogba, Essien and the Makelele’s of this generation to come through and make the impact they have. This documentary will shed some light what Paul went through and the real reason behind him leaving Chelsea.” The winger, who was born in Hillingdon, left Chelsea for Reading for £50,000 after less than five years with the club, in which time he scored 11 goals in 79 appearances. Tony went on: “It's great to see such a stark contrast between the old Chelsea and the new Chelsea. Stamford Bridge was not the most welcoming place in the past but now it's renowned for its cosmopolitan fan base, which Paul Canoville contributed to.” A trailer for Black and Blue can be seen here https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OybautM8aiE. The documentary, labelled “Black and Blue”, will air on Sky Sports 1 on Sunday, March 22 at 7pm, in between Chelsea’s game with Hull and El Clasico.