‘Arsenal and After’
For Paul Davis, Arsenal was always the dream. As a child, he once attended a Chelsea match at Stamford Bridge with a friend and their father, but the environment felt intimidating. The presence of the National Front distributing flyers and the general hostility towards black individuals made it an unsettling experience. Everything changed when Charlie George netted the winning goal for Arsenal in the 1971 FA Cup final; from that moment, Paul was captivated.
Born to Ruby, a member of the Windrush generation who arrived in England from Jamaica, Paul grew up in a council estate in Stockwell, south London. Financial constraints meant that attending games was a luxury he couldn’t afford. The closest clubs—Crystal Palace, Chelsea, and Fulham—never held his heart like Arsenal did.
Davis showcased his talent by captaining his school football team, which led to him being scouted by Fulham. In those days, young talents could train with different clubs if logistics allowed. At the age of 13, Arsenal noticed him and invited him to Highbury, a moment he recalls as the beginning of his journey: “That’s where everything began for me.”
Breaking New Ground
On September 28, 2002, Arsenal made history by fielding nine black players in a competitive match, a milestone that, while seemingly arbitrary, carried profound significance. Earlier that same year, a study revealed that Arsenal had a more diverse supporter base than any other Premier League club. This connection between the club and the black community in London is undeniably intertwined, and to understand this legacy, one must look to Paul Davis.
In those days, Arsenal’s youngest academy players trained in a gym located at the back of Highbury. Davis would take the underground from Stockwell, a journey that could be intimidating for a young black boy alone. Yet, he recalls feeling an immediate sense of belonging at the club: “I remember being made to feel very welcome there, immediately. I felt at home, which clearly wasn’t the case everywhere in society back then.” One particular coach, Alf Fields, played a pivotal role in making Davis feel special, ensuring his travel expenses were covered and his kit was well-sorted.
Back then, Davis stood out as the only black player in the academy, but the environment was nurturing. “I didn’t feel any insecurities going into the club at that age,” he reflects. “The club seemed to take care of all of us, but for me that was significant.”
Standing on the Shoulders of Giants
Davis wasn’t the first black player to don the Arsenal jersey; that honor belonged to Brendon Batson, who made a handful of appearances before moving to West Bromwich Albion. Following Davis, players like Chrissy Whyte and Raphael Meade emerged from Arsenal’s academy, yet they eventually sought regular first-team football elsewhere.
What set Davis apart was his journey from the academy to the first team and his longevity at the club. He made his debut in a north London derby under Terry Neill and played a crucial role during the 1980s, remaining until the mid-1990s. His accolades include winning every domestic trophy and a European Cup. Throughout his career, he often found himself as the only black player in the dressing room or on the pitch, facing horrendous racist abuse from fans at a time when protective measures from governing bodies were virtually non-existent. Davis took a stand against the racism he encountered, challenging teammates who perpetuated racial stereotypes, fostering an atmosphere of understanding and respect.
A Legacy of Inspiration
Davis was more than just a talented player; he became a trailblazer for future generations of black footballers at Arsenal. He opened the door for talents like Michael Thomas, David Rocastle, Kevin Campbell, and Ian Wright. In 1991, during a League Cup match against Leicester City, all five players took to the field together, a powerful statement of racial unity at a time when such representation was rare.
Wright, in particular, became a symbol of black excellence in the 1990s, not merely for his skills as a prolific finisher but for his authenticity. He embodied a spirit of self-acceptance and determination, inspiring countless fans who saw in him a beacon of hope amid societal challenges. Wright’s rise came with its own share of racial hostility, particularly from fans at Millwall, but he consistently turned their hatred into a source of motivation.
Reflecting on his own legacy, Davis expressed that the realization of his impact on future black players came after retirement. “When the enormity of that legacy sank in post-retirement, I described it as a greater satisfaction than winning any trophy,” he said. His experience as the only black face in the dressing room drove him to support those who followed, instilling in them the belief that they could achieve their dreams despite societal obstacles.
The Power of Organic Growth
The cultural impact of Davis and his contemporaries is undeniable. They became figures of inspiration for many, with black supporters rallying behind them. “Maybe they saw us as a reason for hope,” Davis mused. The phenomenon of “Black Arsenal” emerged organically, not as a calculated marketing strategy but as a natural evolution reflecting the club’s values and community ties.
Professor Clive Nwonka, in his book Black Arsenal, emphasized that the club’s multicultural identity wasn’t a manufactured concept but rather an intrinsic quality that developed over time. “Arsenal did not bring black players through the academy to attract supporters of colour; that wouldn’t have worked,” he explained. “It happened entirely organically.” This authentic connection is what makes it so powerful and enduring.
Arsenal 5-1 Manchester City (Sunday, 2 February)
- Game no.: 64/92
- Miles: 234
- Cumulative miles: 10,992
- Total goals seen: 188
- The one thing I’ll remember in May: The last 20 minutes. I’ve not seen a team taunt and punish Manchester City in exactly that way since Leicester in the 5-2.
Reaching Out
While Arsenal may not have intentionally engaged the black community, they recognized the importance of fostering and maintaining this relationship. The history of this connection can be viewed in two phases: the organic growth of support and the club’s acknowledgment of its responsibilities. Once a bond with the community is established, it can flourish across generations.
Freddie Hudson, head of Arsenal in the Community, articulated this relationship: “The connection between Arsenal and black British identity is deep and distinctive. It continues to shape who we are.” For nearly two decades, the club has conducted black history workshops in local schools, partnering with former players like Brendon Batson, Chris Whyte, and Paul Davis. These initiatives address the inequalities faced by the black community and include regular anti-racism workshops.
The Next Step
Currently, Davis serves as a senior coach developer at the Football Association, a role that embraces the value of diverse perspectives. He believes that true progress comes from a tapestry of opinions and experiences. “If you look at leaders within the club, we’re not at the same state as we are on the pitch,” he remarks, emphasizing the need for representation in decision-making roles.
As Arsenal continues to be a forerunner in inclusivity, the next step is to ensure that this representation extends to the boardroom. Davis envisions a future where diverse voices contribute to the club’s ongoing legacy of support and growth within the community. “Let’s lead the way again,” he concludes, urging everyone to embrace the challenge of welcoming different views.
Daniel Storey has set himself the goal of visiting all 92 grounds across the Premier League and EFL this season. You can follow his progress via our interactive map and find every article (so far) here.