Alan Pardew hopes Chris Ramsey's appointment will boost number of black coaches

ALAN PARDEW wants Chris Ramsey to succeed as QPR manager – because this could help pave the way for more black coaches in the Premier League

14:34, Fri, Mar 13, 2015 | UPDATED: 14:48, Fri, Mar 13, 2015

Chris Ramsey GETTY

Alan Pardew hopes Chris Ramsey will pave the way for more black coaches

Ahead of Crystal Palace’s London derby at Selhurst Park with relegation-threatened QPR, Pardew says it is important that English football does more to promote black coaches and managers.

Ramsey is one of only six Black managers operating in the top four divisions: the other five are Keith Curle (Carlisle United), Chris Hughton (Brighton), Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink (Burton Albion), Fabio Liverani (Leyton Orient) and Chris Powell (Huddersfield).

Pardew said: “Sometimes as a manager, it will come your way, at times when perhaps you don’t expect it or it is in a difficult situation.

“It’s come to Chris at a time when he has done everything you could ask of him as a coach; of all the roles he has performed, he has done them brilliantly.

“He’s black – and it is great for the Premiership to have a black manager.

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The proportion of African/Afro-Caribbean players to coaches is not right.
Alan Pardew

“It’s something I want to promote here in terms of our coaches. The percentage of players we have compared to the percentage of coaches in terms of origin isn’t right. I am pleased for him. I hope he does well.

“The proportion of African/Afro-Caribbean players to coaches is not right. It’s something that needs to be spoken about, we need to work on it as an FA, as a chairmen under and down the country, we need to give them more chances.

“Chris has done a terrific job so far. That QPR team have improved under his tutelage. Though hopefully not improved too much tomorrow – otherwise we will be in trouble.”

Pardew seems likely to keep faith with Julian Speroni – even though the long-standing Argentina goalkeeper was at fault for goals in the defeats to Liverpool Arsenal and Southampton.

Asked if Speroni’s recent form concerned him, Pardew replied bluntly: “No.”

In his defence of his first-choice, he added: “Speroni has been absolutely brilliant for this football club. A couple popped off him in the last five to six games. It happens during the course of the season. His form has been brilliant otherwise. So no worries with him.”