Yorke: Racism a reason I can’t get a manager’s job

Ian Watson

Dwight Yorke: No entry to Miami

Dwight Yorke believes he is still waiting for his first job in coaching or management because of racism in football.

Yorke retired from playing in 2009, and soon completed his Level B coaching badge after previously serving as assistant manager at both Sunderland and for Trinidad and Tobago.

However, the 44-year-old, who has also served as a pundit following his retirement, has found it difficult to come by any further coaching positions.

He has previously expressed his interest in taking over at former club Aston Villa, but he believes that his lack of opportunities can be attributed to his race.

“I’m still looking to get in,” told beIN Sports. I’ve done all the coaching badges at St George’s and the one thing I find very difficult, let alone get a job, is to even get an interview. I’m finding it very, very difficult at the moment.

“Yes, you are doing all your coaching, all your badges, but then when it comes to getting a job, you are not even getting an interview.

“It’s all about who you know as well, that has to play a role.

“Despite all my experience of being a player, I’ve never had the experience of being a manager which is a different concept from being a coach.”

Dwight Yorke: Former striker signed by Ferguson in 1998

Asked specifically whether he felt his race or his inexperience was more to blame for his lack of chances, he replied: “I think there’s a bit of both there. I genuinely think there’s a bit of both.

“It’s often been discussed, no-one has really taken it up, but I do have a tendency when I speak to everybody, certainly black players who are trying to break into managerial department are coming up against the same concept because of your race.

“You keep constantly hitting a wall, keep constantly not getting anywhere and even with all the noises that I’ve made, I’ve even tried to get in at Villa at this point.

“OK, maybe you will never get a chance to be a manager but it would be nice to go in there, present yourself, get to know that person and [have them] say, ‘OK, Dwight, we like your concept, but you’re not experienced enough. Go away and do this or do that.’”