Ugo Ehiogu, who died in April, will be paid a special tribute at the Football Black List awards on Wednesday.
While more than 25 per cent of professional players in the UK are black, there are just four managers across the 92 clubs, and no chairpersons or CEOs. To help address this the Football Black List shines a light on those who are inspiring the next generation to consider other roles in the game.
Jermain Defoe, Alex Scott, Yaya Toure, Nick Blackman and Joe Thompson are among those that will receive awards at this year’s event, which is supported by the Premier League.
“Ugo made a significant contribution to the Premier League,” said Premier League executive chairman, Richard Scudamore.
“He was as an outstanding footballer for Aston Villa, Middlesbrough and other clubs and more recently a highly regarded Academy coach at Tottenham Hotspur.
“In Ugo, the young players at Spurs had an excellent role model. While he is best known for his stellar football career, Ugo was a great person who used his profile to support charities and inspire positive change in the sport and beyond.”
L-R Jason Roberts, Leon Mann (co-founder), Richard Scudamore, Andy Cole, DJ Spoony and Rodney Hinds (co-founder) at 2016 Football Black List