Chris Ramsey and Chris Powell in favour of Rooney Rule proposals

Chris Ramsey and Chris Powell are pleased with the Football League’s recommendations that look set to see the implementation of a variation of the Rooney Rule in English football.

Named after Pittsburgh Steelers chairman Dan Rooney, the Rooney Rule was adopted in the National Football League in 2003, requiring all NFL teams to interview at least one Black and Minority Ethnic (BAME) candidate once a head coaching vacancy becomes available.

Last summer, Football League clubs voted unanimously in favour of recommendations that will see a range of open and transparent recruitment measures brought in, including making it compulsory for clubs to interview at least one BAME candidate for all youth development roles requiring a minimum of a UEFA B coaching licence.

Speaking at a fundraising dinner for the inclusion campaign Kick It Out at Stamford Bridge, Ramsey told Sky Sports News HQ: "I'd like to see a version of the Rooney Rule.

"We cannot do it exactly the way it is done in the States but a version of it is timely."

Former Charlton and Huddersfield boss Powell said: "We know the Football League are looking to introduce a pilot scheme for the Rooney Rule next year which is progress and hopefully that will work in favour of trying to educate people to make sure they have a process that works for everyone.

"I can see how the Rooney Rule works in America and hopefully it will be something that works in time over here."

Kick It Out chair Lord Herman Ouseley added: "There are lot of Black and Asian coaches who want to climb the coaching ladder and what we've got to have is opportunities for them to progress.

"I think what has happened in terms of positive action through the Football League, starting with League One and League Two clubs, is an attempt to build that pyramid and get a mass coming through.

"Hopefully they will be considered in an open recruitment process where they get a fair crack to compete with others."