News about Viv Anderson

MATT BARLOW: Anderson became the first black player to represent England when he made his debut against Czechoslovakia in 1978. He was a defender at Nottingham Forest at the time and went on to play for Arsenal, Manchester United and Sheffield Wednesday among others before his retirement in 1995. He won a total of 30 England caps. Anderson, 68, is also selling his European Cup winners' medal from 1980 and a championship plaque from Forest's title win in 1978 as part of a collection to be sold next month by Graham Budd Auctions.

Three grand-daughters of Jack Leslie's agreed that the man himself may have frowned at the delightful celebration outside Home Park in Plymouth. We lived in East Ham with Grandad,' Lesley recalled. We were all together in the house, a little crowded some days, but it was a great, loving family, and Grandad was the star.' 'There was a charisma about him.' He attracted people towards him, but he was so humble he never spoke about his football career. I don't think he knew how great he was. We think if he could see us, he'd say, "What's all this fuss about?"

Exclusive INTERVIEW - BY SAMI MOKBEL: Ben Odeje's story is one of nationality, admiration, and, eventually, recognition. The 67-year-old (pictured) tells a harrowing tale of a man who asked people if people still lived in trees in Africa as he returned home after a humiliating loss in the 1970s. The racial insinuence was too numerous to mention.' Odeje tells Sportsmail that it wasn't always a free-for-all. 'Even the people supposed to be looking after you, the coaches, and your coworkers referred to you as chalky or sambo.' 'The people who are supposed to be on your side were often the biggest perpetrators.' You're trying to fight it, but there is nowhere for you to go.' The issue of bigotry is as relevant as ever, though parents are much more open to their children's participation in football than ever before.

Benjamin Odeje is the first black man to ever represent England, according to Sportsmail. Odeje has been waiting for over half a century for the FA to announce him as the first black footballer to play in an international tournament for England at any level - but his 51-year wait is coming to an end. Following internal talks, Sportmail has learned that the FA has agreed to welcome Odeje, a long liner at Charlton during the 1960s and 1970s, as a special guest to England's UEFA Nations League match against Germany later this month.

Benjamin Odeje is expected to be named as the first black man to represent England, according to Sportsmail. Odeje, 67, has waited more than half a century for them to acknowledge his place as the first black footballer to play in an England international game, but his 51-year career is coming to an end. Following internal discussions, Sportmail has learned that the Football Association has agreed to invite Odeje, who worked at Charlton during the late 1960s and 1970s, as a special guest to England's UEFA Nations League match against Germany later this month.