Tottenham chairman, Daniel Levy has said that he has seen a significant change in attitudes towards race in the footballing world over the past few months.
There has been a greater push for diversity in the coaching and administration of the game in recent months.
The North Londoners announced earlier this week that they have become a founding signatory of the Football Leadership Diversity Code, launched by The FA, which is aimed at making the English game more diverse and inclusive.
Levy admitted that being based in Haringey, one of the most ethnically diverse parts boroughs of London, has meant that the club has always been acutely aware of their duty to represent their communities.
Speaking to The Evening Standard to mark the end of Black History Month, The Tottenham chairman said: “We’ve always been acutely aware of the need for diversity in everything we do, particularly as we operate in one of the most ethnically diverse boroughs in London, so it was more a case that
“The recent events have given greater visibility to the issues of diversity and inclusion, and we must now ensure that we keep moving forward. I do believe we have seen a significant change in attitudes.
“As a club that has always championed diversity, it’s so important that we truly represent the communities in which we are embedded.”
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The Football Leadership Diversity Code is focused on increasing equality of opportunity by using specific hiring targets but Tottenham already have a history of hiring BAME coaches, including Chris Hughton, Ugo Eghiogu and Les Ferdinand.
The club also announced earlier this year that Ledley King would be joining the first-team coaching staff, while Chris Powell was appointed head of coaching at their academy.
Speaking about the club’s recent appointments, Levy said: “We have had many black and ethnic minority coaches at all coaching levels in the club. It’s simply been part of our DNA. And all have been awarded their positions purely on merit.
“We recognise the huge value they bring to the club and our players of all ages — not only for their coaching abilities, but also because they are role models for our younger players.”
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