talkSPORT’s Hugh Woozencroft and Troy Deeney have today been named on the Football Black List – an initiative celebrating the most influential Black people in the British game. 

Hugh and Troy have been praised for using their platforms to challenge racial injustice and are joined by other influential figures including Marcus Rashford for his work on child food poverty, Crystal Palace women’s Goalkeeper, Chloe Morgan, for raising awareness of both Black representation and LGBT+ inclusion in the women’s game; Aston Villa and England defender, Tyrone Mings and Palace and Ivory Coast forward, Wilfried Zaha, for his efforts to support nurses during the coronavirus pandemic.

The Football Black List, founded in 2008 by sports journalists Leon Mann and Rodney Hinds, highlights positive influencers from the Black community in the sport.

A panel of experts from the Black community and football industry vote independently on nominations made by the public to determine who makes the list. The panel included representation from the Premier League, The Football Association, Professional Footballers’ Association, League Managers Association, English Football League, PGMOL, FARE, BCOMS and Kick It Out.

The Voice Newspaper is the exclusive home of the Football Black List which creates an opportunity to celebrate the Black communities contribution to the industry, while also encouraging debate and discussion on how best to address the ongoing under-representation of people from African-Caribbean backgrounds away from playing.

Rodney Hinds, co-founder of the Football Black List, said: “Yet again the Football Black List has unearthed many in the community that are doing great work.

“The efforts of Marcus Rashford deserve acclaim alongside the others on the list who go about their business for the good of others.

“The Voice is happy to be home of the Football Black List and after a year of challenges it is great to be provided with inspiration.”

Head of talkSPORT Lee Clayton said: “This is well deserved recognition for Hugh and Troy’s work on challenging racial injustices and promoting diversity in sport and the media. talkSPORT will continue to champion a diverse range of voices and campaign for positive change in sport.”