22/06/2021
…BREAKING NEWS…
It is announced today that Chelsea Football Club is recognising the important contribution made by our Ambassador and former player Paul Canoville by naming part of Stamford Bridge in his honour.
The Shed End Stand, will now be known as the Canoville Suite.
A fine footballer in his time, a skilful winger with pace and the ability to beat an opponent, Paul is also defined by his indomitable spirit and the way he also beat a series of major challenges during his life, including some that threatened to take that life.
For many years now Paul has used those experiences to help other people including equality lessons in schools using examples from his life to deliver important messages on respect and diversity, and discussion sessions in prisons.
Through his own foundation, he works with schools and youth organisations to promote confidence, well-being, diversity and resilience.
Earlier this year, Paul was in a critical condition in hospital after complications set in following an operation, but his against-the-odds recovery was the latest of the big obstacles he has cleared which have included cancer, homelessness, drug addiction, his career ending prematurely due to injury and, most famously, racism within the game of football.
As the first black player to be selected for the Chelsea men’s first team, Paul endured prejudice that extended to abuse from a considerable proportion of those at games to support Chelsea and from within his own team.
The exemplary fortitude he showed then, pursuing his football dream despite often facing adversity alone, was the same strength crucial in more recent times when in hospital.