QPR director of football Les Ferdinand has called for a Rooney Rule-style law to be introduced in English football to challenge what he believes is a "lack of diversity" in the game.
Football Association chairman Greg Dyke was first to suggest the adoption of the American system - which requires NFL teams to interview at least one minority candidate for each head coaching role - in 2014.
And now Ferdinand has reopened the debate by insisting it could be the best way to give prospective black managers the confidence to aspire to positions they currently feel are beyond them.
Ferdinand told Sky Sports: "We're not saying you have to give anybody the job - we're just saying 'give us an interview' - that's all.
" It's just a case of being able to sit down and put your credentials on the table. At the moment we're not even getting that chance.
"People often talk and say 'I'm not racist' and don't even realise that they are being racist because they won't give you that opportunity.
"You may have already decided who your next manager is going to be but if I sit down in front of you I might impress you so much that you might recommend me to someone else."
Dyke's support for the Rooney Rule was not shared by others in the game with both Premier League chief executive Richard Scudamore and the League Managers' Association rejecting the idea.
But Ferdinand's views are shared by anti-racist campaigners Kick It Out, which told Sky Sports News: "The access to opportunities for employment in football continue to be out of reach for many. The recruitment procedures are flawed, and there is a lack of accountability and transparency in the processes.
"We need to see a level playing field established where individuals possessing the necessary qualifications and experience are able to apply and be taken into proper consideration for positions.
"As it stands, many credible candidates who are suitable for jobs do not feel it is worthwhile applying as they see a closed culture which exists preventing them from having a fair chance."
Source: PA
