Graham Taylor denies claims over black players

The claims were made in a new book titled Pitch Black: The Story of Black British Footballers, written by Emy Onuora, the brother of ex-Huddersfield and Swindon striker Iffy Onuora.

In the book Onuora writes that former Birmingham striker Richie Moran spoke to Taylor at an event held by Watford Football Club during the 1999-2000 season.

Taylor was managing Watford at the time, following his stint as England manager between 1990 and 1993.

Moran claims he was told by Taylor that two FA members - who are not named in the book - approached him with a request to limit the number of black players in the England team.

Moran is quoted in the book as saying: "Graham Taylor came up to me and said: 'Look, I'm going to tell you something ... I'm never going to admit it, I will be sued for libel'.

"He said: 'When I was manager of England I was called in by two members of the FA, who I won't name ...'

"I volunteered two names. He said: 'I'm not prepared to say, but I was told in no uncertain terms not to pick too many black players for the national side'."

Taylor denies that any such conversations took place with anybody from the FA, adding that he would never have blocked black footballers' path into the national team.

Speaking to The Guardian newspaper, Taylor said: "That is not me trying to evade it - and it also doesn't mean I didn't say it - but if anyone looks at my record with club and country it would be obvious to everyone anyway that I didn't follow what was apparently said.

"If anyone looks at my record, I could never be accused of blocking the way for any black player."
Taylor added on BBC Radio Five Live: "It has taken me by complete surprise because I cannot remember anything about it at all.

"Certainly never during my time at the Football Association I had no FA people coming up to me and telling me which team to pick and to pick less black players. I would have remembered that.

"I have no memory of that conversation (with Moran). There certainly was an event at Watford. I can remember that, but I certainly have no memory of a conversation about black players."