Mirror Man Darren Lewis named among the 30 most influential black people in football

Daily Mirror football reporter Darren Lewis has been named among the 30 most influential black people in the game.

The Black List, which is supported by The FA, Professional Footballers Association and Kick It Out, was launched last year as a way of recognising the wide ranging contribution of a community whose participation as players indicates an unrivalled love of the game.

Author and founder, Leon Mann, said today: "Some of the names on the list will be familiar - Rio Ferdinand and David James make the list for their charity and campaigning work on equality and the environment – while others will be complete unknowns as their role is primarily behind the scenes.

Lewis is joined on the list, which is published in the The Voice newspaper, by a clutch of top Premier League players and Football League managers, as well as key figures in others areas of the game like administration, community and commercial.

"I was always inspired as a youngster by some of the people in this list so be named alongside them is obviously a tremendous honour," says Darren.

"Hopefully the list published in The Voice newspaper today will continue the debate about ways to encourage black people within the game - footballers or otherwise - to fulfil their potential."

Author Mann continues: "Back when the first black players were breaking through into professional football the thought of a list of influential black people in the sport would have been inconceivable. But such is the progress of the black community that many who made the list in 2008 have slipped off this year as others rise up the ranks.

"This is not to suggest that under representation is not an issue. The stats speak for themselves. There remains just one black Chief Executive and an Executive Chairperson across the 92 professional clubs and three black managers.

"However, as we get ready to start a new season that promises a roller-coaster ride of highs and lows for fans across the country, it’s time to celebrate the diversity there is in the game, with an eye on it becoming more representative in the future.

"The influence of black footballers on the modern game is growing season by season.

"A quick look at the most expensive Premier League transfers this year underline this, with Manchester City’s £32.5million acquisition of Robinho sitting at the top of the list. Not to mention that more than 30% of professional players are black."

BLACK LIST 2009

Management
Paul Ince, Manager, MK Dons
John Barnes, Manager, Tranmere Rovers
Keith Alexander, Manager, Macclesfield Town
Noel Blake, FA National Coach
Chris Hughton, Caretaker Manager, Newcastle United
Hope Powell, Manager England Women
Lyndon Lynch, Manager, England Disability Teams

Administration
Jason Rockett, Chief Executive, Sheffield United
Heather Rabbatts, Vice Chairperson, Millwall
Bobby Barnes, Deputy Chief Executive, Professional Football Association
Chris Powell, Chairman, Professional Footballers Association
Simone Pound, Head of Equality, Professional Footballers Association
Ronal Crawford, IP Lawyer, Arsenal Football Club
Baroness Amos, Board Member, England World Cup Bid

Media
Darren Lewis, Sports writer, Daily Mirror
Rob Smith, Producer, 5 Live Sportsweek
Clive Petty, Sports Editor, The Times
Joel Campbell, Sports writer, The Voice

Community
Dr Colin King, Martin Shaw King Trust
Lincoln Moses, Continental Stars
Alex Williams, Director of Community Affairs, Manchester City

Campaigners
Lord Herman Ouseley, Chairman of Kick It Out and FA Councillor
Paul Elliott, Campaigner
Garth Crooks, Broadcaster and Campaigner
David James, Footballer and Campaigner
Paul Canoville, Campaigner
Robbie Earle, Broadcaster and FA advisor

Commercial
Andy Ansah, Football Choreographer
Rio Ferdinand, Footballer and Entrepreneur
Chris Nathaniel, Football Advisor

*Leon Mann is the former Kick It Out and Football Against Racism in Europe spokesman. He is currently a Sports Journalist at BBC Sport and remains passionate about equality in sport.