Rooney Rule for England

Dougie Freedman has as expected been hired as the new manager of Bolton Wanderers. The former Crystal Palace boss said "I am delighted to join Bolton. The club is  geared up to getting back into the Premier League."

Palace chairman said yesterday that he believed that Freedman's decision was influenced by the fact that Bolton is setup for immediate return to the Premier League. A league where Freedman wants to coach. Whereas his own Selhurst Park club is set only for sustainability.

Bolton's confirmation of the appointment comes a day after the PFA announce a 6 step plan to fight racism in football. The plan includes a possible introduction of the NFL's Rooney Rule. (named after Pittsburgh Steelers owner Dan Rooney)

The rule states that NFL franchises must interview people from ethnic minority's for the any senior position including the Head Coach.

Though in theory this rule is a good weapon in the battle against racism, it could also mean that the fight would be hurt by the rule. It could leave a belief that any ethnic coach who receives a high profile job has gotten it simply due to their eve or backround.

Sam Allardyce, West Ham United manager has today spoken out against the rule. He claims that any such appointment should be predicated on ability alone to do the job and not on " the colour of their skin".

Allardyce was not alone in his criticism. Wigan's Roberto Martinez believes that in football "we are all one family."

Do we really need an enforced rule for footballers and fans to behave in a civilised manner? Can we really expect any rule to prevent the thugs of football to stop the racism?

The fact is that the powers that be can make as many new rules as they wish but unfortunately there will always remain a portion of people who will continue their racist statements and chanting.

I admire the ongoing work of the Kick It Out campaign along with the PFA and the FA and all others involved but they need to realise that although they might minimize it. They will never totally eradicate racism from the beautiful game.