Pitch Black by Emy Onuora Read Free Book Online

Podd with an important anchor as he sought to deal with the racism that plagued the game.
    Indeed, such was his gratitude that despite being courted by several clubs, he refused to leave Bradford City. In 1974, four years into his tenure at Bradford, he was informed by his then manager that the mighty Liverpool had expressed an interest in signing him and asked if he would go if they made an offer. He said no. Liverpool instead signed the virtually unknown Phil Neal from Northampton. Podd was also offered an opportunity to sign for Portsmouth for far more money than his wages at Bradford, but again refused to leave. His gratitude to the club for providing him with the opportunity to play professional football after so many disappointments elsewhere was a factor, but the biggest issue for Podd was the psychological impact of dealing with racist abuse.
    For a large part of his career, Podd rarely encountered another opposition black player, but in 1971 he was joined in the City team by Dominican-born and Bradford-raised forward Joe Cooke. At a time when there were a handful of black footballers, when Podd and Cooke could go weeks and months on end without ever seeing another black player, and when racism from terraces and from opponents was commonplace, Bradford City provided something that money and First Division football couldn’t buy. That luxury item was security. Podd was secure at City. He was adored bythe fans. His fellow professionals, his managers and indeed everyone at the club treated him not only with respect but with warmth. That comfort and security proved to be irresistible as bigger and better offers to further his career came in. Podd refused them all and it was his experience of racism that fuelled his resistance to a move away from Valley Parade. He had of course played at grounds all over the country and had been subjected to vicious abuse from both fans and opposition players. He cited many southern football venues as places where he received the most hostile of receptions, in stark contrast to the experiences of many black players after him, who described their trips to northern grounds as some of their worst experiences of racism. The security of Bradford City, combined with Podd’s thorough and absolute enjoyment of playing professional football, provided him with a shield against some of the worst experiences he encountered. Moving elsewhere could put his love of the game in jeopardy. Dealing with less enlightened and possibly hostile supporters, managers, club officials and teammates was too big a chance to take, so he stayed at City and amassed games, wholehearted performances and his legendary status.
    Events in March 1981 perfectly illustrated his standing both at City and amongst his fellow black professionals. He was granted a testimonial match, the first black footballer to be granted such an honour. It was a reward for his commitment, his attitude and above all his loyalty. Amongst supporters, loyalty is revered; disloyalty, or even its impression, is reviled. Long-serving players are described as ‘loyal servants’ and Podd had stayed loyal in spite of overtures from some very attractive suitors. His record is likely to stand for 100 years. In today’s climate it seems impossible that aplayer in the lower leagues could ever stay at one club for so long. Instability, short-term contracts, poor financial performance and high managerial turnover militate against the one-club longevity of any professional working in the lower leagues. It would be difficult enough at Premier League level; lower down the league ladder, it would be the stuff of fiction.
    If the granting of Podd’s testimonial made history, the game itself proved to be a significant milestone for other reasons. After writing to a number of league managers, Podd had put together a ‘Black All Stars’ team to play in his testimonial at Bradford City’s Valley Parade ground. With unanimous support from their clubs, almost