Former Chelsea star Paul Canoville
Former Chelsea star and One Game, One Community weeks of action ambassador Paul Canoville is to talk about his experiences with racism as part of a Chelsea stadium tour.
On 12 April 1982, Paul became the first black player ever to play in a Chelsea shirt.
Paul's obvious ability on the field, quick feet and pace along the wing, should have instantly made him a fan's favourite.
Sadly however, Paul had to deal with far more than just dodging challenges from burly centre-halves intent on injuring him.
The footballing era in which Paul played was an era beset by bad stadia, hooliganism, and mindless racism. Paul was one of many black players up and down the country who had to run a gauntlet of racist abuse on a Saturday afternoon.
Paul's career was cut short by a horrific injury at the age of 24 but he will always be remembered for coming on as a substitute against Sheffield Wednesday in the quarter finals of the Milk Cup when Chelsea were 3-0 down.
His entrance changed the game and he scored twice, with his first goal coming only 11 seconds after the restart.
After Paul's retirement from the game his life changed dramatically. His lifestyle suffered and as a result so did his health; he contracted Non-Hodgkins Lymphoma, an aggressive cancer, twice, but managed to prevail both times.
Paul now works with children in the London Borough of Westminster, and on behalf of Chelsea at Stamford Bridge.
Paul will be conducting the Past Player Tours at Chelsea on the 18 and 31 October, at 12pm and 2pm. The costs are £25 for adults and £17 for concessions.
To book call 0871 984 1955 or email: tours@chelseafc.com
Stadium tours are subject to cancellation and alteration at short notice.
