Town assistant manager Terry Connor has praised the Kick It Out anti-racism campaign and has recalled the extent of the abuse he received during his time as a player, which even extended to bullets being sent to him in the post.

Prior to this evening’s against Reading, the Blues will warm up wearing T-shirts backing Kick It Out, which has been at the forefront of fighting racism in football for 22 years.

“The Kick It Out campaign has made massive progress over the years,” Connor, 53, said in an interview for tonight’s match programme.

“Going back to my days as a player, it was difficult for black players to thrive. I can remember going to many away games and there were bananas thrown on the pitch and monkey chants from the stands.

“I tried to use it to motivate me, to show people that I deserved to be out there on the park. I felt if they were racially abusing me, it was because I was doing something good for my team.

“There were things that happened back then though that wouldn't be tolerated now, and quite rightly so.

“I remember receiving mail from Leeds fans telling me not to wear the white shirt, even though I was born and bred in Leeds. I had bullets sent to me and the police were called on a couple of occasions.

“I was 17 when I started playing for Leeds and I just wanted to play football but it was the norm back then.

"I'm glad in many ways that I have been able to ‘represent my colour' if I can put it that way and play my part in helping to push a lot of barriers down and make the path a lot easier for other players coming through now who probably won't even be aware that racism existed in the game to that extent.

“There is a structure now in football - and society as well - and Kick It Out have played a big part in that happening.”

In December, Connor was shortlisted in the Coach of the Year category at the British Ethnic Diversity Sports Awards, which take place on Saturday, 6th February at the Grosvenor House Hotel in London.

Photo: Action Images

Bluebell added 13:56 - Feb 2 What an awful way to be treated as a young player and in latter years too. Good for him for fighting it and not giving up. Great that the players will be wearing Kick It Out T-Shirts tonight.
10

Arthur added 13:58 - Feb 2 TC is just a class act ... Proud we sing his name.
11

irish_tractor added 14:34 - Feb 2 Tc always comes across as a great guy and coach. Every player always comments on his training with them and how they have benefited from it. No matter what happens in terms of promotion a lot of prem managers would be happy to loan us a quality up and coming youngster for a season knowing they are working on the training ground with Tc
6

bedsitfc added 14:37 - Feb 2 Well done T.C, it sounds like it was really bad back then but I do think we as a nation have made massive strides in combatting racism. My only concern is that it doesn't go to far the other way I.e we can't say a player is useless because he happens to be black or Asian. Not so long ago black actors boycott the oscars because no black actors were nominated but maybe they should stop and think "has any black actor really deserved an Oscar this year"? Before anyone stamps me a racist I am not, far from it. I dislike someone for who they are and what they stand for regardless of colour, race or religion.

4

legoman added 15:25 - Feb 2 I have never personally felt even an ounce of racism and find it strange.
1

Ryorry added 15:49 - Feb 2 Agree legoman, and even apart from the "why would you be so unpleasant to another human being who's never done you any harm"? thing, there's the utter folly of deliberately depriving yourself of the work, help, friendship etc of some of the top people in the land. Bonkers!!
0

lightingblue added 16:25 - Feb 2 Being married to a black wife I no what comments can be said. Not pleasant and loads of rows
1

sidtheswan added 16:32 - Feb 2 Sad that we still need "Kick it Out " in this day and age . Sad reflection on our society that there are still small minded ignorant people out there .
1

therein61 added 17:39 - Feb 2 Well done Terry it's the players of your age group who endured disgraceful abuse in the past and the stand to kick it out that can only help the numerous talented coloured players to flourish in the game, the whole situation will never go away as it's still a dreadful problem in our society due to ignorant people who should be ashamed of themselves, but can't see further than the end of their noses or bottom of their beer glass!!!!

0

runaround added 18:35 - Feb 2 It's hard to believe how racist a society we were back then, not just football fans but all walks of life. Still remember as a child Primetime Saturday night TV being Jim Davidson or Bernard Manning making jokes about black people & it was seen as entertainment? It's embarrassing now to look back at that now. At Brentford home match in May, an elderly chap in front of me made racist comments about a player & I was totally shocked, thought that was in the past.

0

runaround added 18:38 - Feb 2 March not May
0

Blogs 295 bloggers

Ipswich Town Polls