BBC 3’s programme into racism into football, thoughtfully presented by PFA Chairman, Clarke Carlisle, and intelligently produced by Adam Jessel, coming on the back of the John Terry Anton Ferdinand case underlined the issue continues to surface albeit recognising considerable progress has been made since the 1970s and 1980s. As a number of people interviewed implied it now assumes a more subtle and insidious form, but nonetheless is there and can’t be ignored. The Football Association is once again the public spotlight and the conclusion it reaches on Terry gate is eagerly awaited.

No one could have predicted, least of all Punjabi Wolves, that since forming as a group to organise the occasional away travel games we’ve evolved into a registered charity raising not just awareness of the rich contribution Britain’s Asian community makes to the national game, but also succeeded in generating £150,000 for a host of local national and international good causes. That in essence is who we are.

Our contribution to tackling prejudice is to bring people from diverse backgrounds together through a common love of our football club. It is though not an explicit agenda but when it happens it can be highly satisfying. Over the years I can recall dozens of anecdotes where at the end of a conversation a non-Asian fan has revealed how his ignorance has been removed. We entered that conversation as fellow Wolves fans and ended it by having even something greater in common. (I know it’s difficult to imagine that there is anything stronger)

Wolverhampton was one of the early settlements of migrant labour arriving from the Indian sub-continent; my late father included, and despite Enoch Powell’s best endeavours remains one of the most culturally diverse places in the United Kingdom. Yes the city still encounters racism and prejudice, sadly this is an inescapable fact of life because utopia doesn’t exist however thanks, in part to football and the role Wolves play as a pivotal institution, the city is a more cohesive place than many other areas in the country. As we roll forward the clock the city’s public cultural social and economic affairs are becoming increasingly influenced by the children and grandchildren of the 50s pioneers. It is evident for all to see we have truly arrived, or have we? There does remain one obvious omission: The Theatre of Dream aka Molineux.

For me the most powerful interview in the BBC 3 programme was Clarke Carlisle speaking to my good friend, Butch Fazal, and two of his young players. The look of shock and exasperation that someone who had captained the county team had never got the opportunity to be trialled with a professional club said it all. Over the years I would estimate hundreds if not thousands have been denied similar opportunities. For this, like the absence of black coaches and managers, the clubs and its administrators should hand their heads in shame.

Having completed another hugely successful charity bike ride from Wolverhampton to Buckingham Palace, sadly Her Majesty was out fetching the milk, and unveiled the city’s first major public exhibition of Sikhs in Wolverhampton story all efforts are now focusing on the annual fund Charity Masquerade Ball. Another £50,000 is the target on Saturday 29th September. So if you happen to be in the city or passing through this part of the world do pop in. (More details to follow)

Jas Bains (Member of the Old Guard)