March 1st: Today’s Feature

March

Brendon Martin Batson, OBE (born 6 February 1953) is an English former footballer who played as a defender for Arsenal, Cambridge United and West Bromwich Albion.

Club Career

Born in St. George's, Grenada, Batson moved with his family to Trinidad at the age of 6 and then migrated from the West Indies to England when he was nine years old in 1962. Until then he had never even seen a game of football and a teacher at his school, on watching his early efforts and reflecting on his birthplace opined, "Well, perhaps cricket is your game." However, he was signed as a schoolboy by Arsenal, and whilst at the club's academy won the FA Youth Cup of 1971.

Batson signed as a professional at 17 years old at the club and eventually went on to feature for the Gunners' first team, becoming the first black player to do so. In all, he made 10 appearances for Arsenal before moving to Cambridge United in 1974. He spent four years at Cambridge, captaining the side to the Fourth Division Championship under manager Ron Atkinson in 1976–77. At Cambridge Batson made a total of 163 appearances and scored six goals altogether.

When Atkinson moved to West Bromwich Albion in 1978, he successfully encouraged Batson to follow him and team up with fellow black players Cyrille Regis and Laurie Cunningham, leaving in a deal worth £28,000.

The players, known as the Three Degrees after the pop group trio, were not the first black footballers in England, but they were groundbreaking, influential, and greatly admired by West Brom fans. Each player understood the challenges they faced individually and as a group to reach that dressing room. They were aware of the struggles their parents and the wider Black community had endured.

Batson, who came to the UK as a child of the Windrush generation, had no prior experience with football. From being discouraged after his first trial to facing racial abuse during his West Brom debut, Batson constantly faced reminders that the game was not meant for someone like him. Unfortunately, his story was not unique. The shared experiences within that dressing room made this more than just a tribute to the team captained by Regis.

Batson recalls that as players, they were determined to win and represent their community. They saw this as an opportunity to challenge the misguided belief that Black players were inferior to their White counterparts based solely on their skin colour.

Batson explains that there were negative stereotypes surrounding Black players, such as laziness, lack of bravery, and inability to handle the cold or tackle. These stereotypes were unjust and Batson and his generation had to face them throughout their careers.

The lack of representation of Black players in the Football League discouraged many Black parents from allowing their children to pursue a career in football.

During that time, football stadiums were predominantly occupied by white individuals, creating an environment that lacked diversity and inclusivity. This lack of representation extended beyond the stands and onto the terraces, where racism was openly displayed. In his book, Batson highlights the alarming extent of the abuse that was hurled at black players, emphasising the sheer volume of it. This racial abuse was not only audible during live broadcasts but also prevalent throughout matches, yet it was seldom addressed or condemned.

However, amidst this atmosphere of discrimination, there were individuals who stood up against racism and challenged the status quo. One such figure was commentator Gerald Sinstadt, who made history by openly acknowledging the booing that West Brom's black players faced at Old Trafford in December 1978. This courageous act, although brief, left an indelible mark on the legacy of Sinstadt, solidifying his position as an influential voice in the world of sports.

The impact of trailblazers, Batson, Cunningham and Regis (aka The Three Degrees) was so significant that in 2012, plans were set in motion to commemorate their achievements with a statue. This statue, which aimed to honour the footballing trio, was unveiled to the public in New Square on 21 May 2019. The location of the statue, strategically placed at The Hawthorns, holds great symbolism as it serves as a reminder of the trio's contributions to the sport and their fight against racism.

Batson, who played a total of 160 games for West Bromwich Albion, unfortunately had his career cut short due to a severe knee injury in 1982. Despite this setback, his impact on the game and his role in challenging racism remains an integral part of football history.

International career

Batson was capped for the England B team on three occasions, showcasing his skills against formidable opponents such as the United States, Spain, and Australia. These matches provided him with valuable experience and an opportunity to demonstrate his talent on an international stage.

Interestingly, his great nephew, Reuben Batson, has also inherited the family's footballing prowess, marking him as an exceptional goalkeeper in his own right. The Batson family's legacy in the world of football continues to thrive through Reuben's impressive abilities between the goalposts.

Administrative career

After retiring from his career as a player, Batson took on the role of deputy chief executive of the Professional Footballers' Association in 1984. He dedicated a remarkable 18 years to this position and continues to serve as a trustee of the association. Later on, he returned to West Brom and assumed the role of managing director, where he played a pivotal role in establishing the West Bromwich Albion Former Players' Association in 2003.

In 2007, Batson joined the organisation formerly known as the Football Licensing Agency (FLA), which is now recognised as the Sports Grounds Safety Authority. Notably, he holds the distinction of being the longest-serving member on the authority's board.

In recognition of his contributions to the world of football, Batson was honoured with two prestigious titles. The first was the appointment as a Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) in the 2001 New Year Honours, followed by the second title of Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) in the 2015 New Year Honours. These accolades highlight Batson's exceptional dedication and service to the sport, solidifying his esteemed position within the football community.

Personal life

Batson was married to Cecily, who died in September 2009