"The Cut Newspaper Online"










Paul Canoville ™/ Text / Drew Mark / Photography / Akawasi Poku 13th August 2008 When I was giving the task of interviewing former Chelsea footballer, Paul Canoville, about his book, Black and Blue, I was sceptical because I had never heard of him. Canoville played in the 1980s before I was born. After beginning to read his book, though, I realised that the issues Paul faced when he was a teenager were very familiar to me. They reminded me of stories my Dad had told me about his teenage life, especially since he and Canoville lived not too far from each other. Born in Southall to Caribbean parents in a predominately white country, Paul Canoville’s childhood makes an interesting read touching on subjects ranging from encounters with his mother, to problems with the police, teenage fatherhood and balancing all that with the love of his life - football. I was disgusted to read about the racial abuse received by Canoville not only from the away fans but fans of his own team. I was amazed by the way he dealt with the racism. Paul didn’t speak out, yet from his book and the interview I realised that he has an outspoken nature. To me it was inspiring the way he dealt with something I personally couldn’t handle. Like many celebrities or people in the spotlight today, once his career finished Paul went through difficultes with injury, crime and drugs. I wasn’t particularly surprised by the stories although I did feel sorry for him, particularly when he was forced to retire at 27 due to an injury which could have been avoided.. The book is challenging, honest and disturbing. It is also inspiring as Canoville fights back to re-unite with his father, maintain his relationship with his family and friends and develop a career as a youth worker and author. Paul Canoville is a flamboyant, outspoken, funny, talkative, approachable guy, a great storyteller with a similarity to a lot of the male figures in my life. He gave lengthy answers to questions and willingly elaborated on answers - a journalist’s dream. I was surprised at the book’s revelation that Paul was a teenage father. He is now a father of ten children with nine different women. I asked his views on the topic: “Live life - don’t be in a hurry to have a child. I could have been shown that if I had a father figure. I didn’t think of the consequences of getting women pregnant, I was naïve in thinking football would provide financially.” Paul’s early career as a footballer was difficult. His professional debut should have been something to cherish especially as he was his club’s first black player. Being racially abused to the extent where you feel disowned by your own fans somewhat tainted the experience but, through all the abuse, Paul still managed to maintain the level of his game. I asked Paul whether the racism he received in his career affected his relationship or attitude towards his white teammates: “No - they were my teammates, although players from up north asked silly questions, not to be vindictive but as they were a bit ignorant and weren’t around black people a lot.” Paul idolised Brazilian World Cup Winner Pelé, arguably the best player of all time. He also spoke about his admiration of former West Bromwich Albion players Cyrille Regis and Lawrie Cunningham, who he claims were some of the most skilful of his time, regardless of the racism they must have received. With The Cut being written for and by young people, I decided to ask Paul about the issues in the news to do with young people and how he would compare his memories to the youth crime which is frequently in the media today? “I can’t believe what’s going on in the minds of youth today. In my day there was little or no killing, it was nowhere near as common. It all seems weapon based nowadays. I think what we need is more youth clubs as youth boredom leads to youth crime.” As a youth myself I agree with the idea of the need for more youth projects or clubs, as with nothing to do people get restless and look for something to do which is not necessarily within the law. With black youth notorious for gun crime and violent crimes in general why do you think that is and was it the same when you were a youth? “Again, in my day there was no needless fighting over some of the pointless issues you hear about today and there were no weapons. I personally think youth follow American television and music. Worst of all I think parents don’t know their children, they only see the act put on by their children in front of them. They don’t know their children’s lives away from home.” Last of all I asked Paul for any advice to readers who are looking to make football their profession. “Football is a great game but you may not make it in the game. Have a back up plan. Education is a must - without that you could be left stranded.”		Issue Two Aug 2008 Reggie Yates Interview Road To 2012 : Olympics Special Road To Carnival Fashion Freedom At A Price Red Hot Interview Nash Money Sneakers Micachu Interview Natty Interview Life In The Marine Corps Parents Meet The Teenagers Young Londoners Meet The Cast Of Adulthood Cyko Logic Interview Fred Butler : Prop Stylist Interview Immortal Technique Review Made In Queens Victor Timofeev : Artist Interview Ricky Powell Interview Twizzle Interview Flywear Feature Top Girl Film Feature Queen Of Nations Not Without My Sister Sky's The Limit Career's Advice Issue One March 2008 Bashy Interview The Cool Kids Lady Lykes Grimes New School Rowdy Superstar Interview The Sound Of Reason Slash Interview Hoxton Vs Hampstead Fashion Young Designers Lucinda Chua Interview Will Kay Interview The Brothers Size Chris Lambert Duane Henry Drug Trafficking Feature Does My Bum Look Big in This Life After Prison Whats Upsetting Our Children MP Julia Goldsworthy Autechre Live In London Hardcore Is More Than Music Media Box Paddington Development Trust The Cut On Myspace