York City - Football's Black Pioneers

Tony Collins R.I.P.

We were truly saddened to hear of the passing of Tony Collins at the age of 94. Tony truly was a pioneer. He was the first black player at three clubs who are current members of the Football League (Crystal Palace, Norwich City and Watford) and at two further clubs who were in the League when he played for them (York City and Torquay United).

He also made history as the first black manager of a Football League club (Rochdale), before going on the play prominent roles at Bristol City, Leeds United, Manchester United and England).

A legend has passed.

https://www.theguardian.com/football/2021/feb/08/tony-collins-football-league-first-black-manager-dies-at-94?CMP=share_btn_link

Bill Hern on BBC Radio York

Albert Johanneson – **Not** the first black player at Leeds United

On 30th July, Bill Hern continued his (virtual) tour of the nation’s radio stations when he was interviewed by Jules Bellerby on BBC Radio York. Unsurprisingly the interview focused on Yorkshire clubs with Jules’ team, Leeds United, first up for discussion. The pair also talked about the chances of Harrogate Town making it into the book. Harrogate play Notts County in the play-off final on Sunday 2nd August, three days after the interview and Bill explained that chapters have been written covering each of the teams.

You can listen to the interview here:

If you want to find out who was the first black player at Leeds United (and 91 other clubs!) why not pre-order a copy of ‘Football’s Black Pioneers’ here:

https://www.conkereditions.co.uk/product/footballs-black-pioneers-subscriber-copies-for-pre-order/