Jason Roberts: Darren Moore can be an inspiration for black coaches

The caretaker boss remains unbeaten after three games in charge of the Baggies following a memorable victory at Old Trafford and a late fightback at home to Liverpool.

And Roberts, who played with Moore at The Hawthorns, described his former team-mate as a silver lining to a poor season.

“It’s been a difficult season for West Brom and I really do feel that it’s a time to rebuild,” Roberts told The Royal Gazette at the Bermuda Football Association awards ceremony.

“There’s a silver lining to everything and that’s Darren Moore being given an opportunity to manage, a Jamaican international and someone who has been waiting for an opportunity.

“We will have to wait and see if he wants the job [permanently], but it’s been a huge benefit not just to him but also for the [Caribbean] region.”

There are only a handful of black managers in charge of the 92 clubs of the Premier League and Football League, despite almost one third of players being black and ethnic minorities (BAME).

Roberts hopes Moore’s encouraging start to his caretaker role at Albion will help other black coaches seeking opportunities.

“There are historical situations and reasons as to why there’s been a lack of black managers through our game in the UK,” said Roberts.

“I think there are still issues and hopefully Darren can be a beacon to take on those challenges by showing what he can do as a manager.

“He epitomises everything good about West Brom and I hope he will do a great job. I think he’s showing what can happen with patience and continued hard work.”

Roberts, who scored 27 goals in 86 Albion appearances between 2000 and 2004, has urged the Baggies to think carefully about their next appointment.

“There’s no doubt that a moment of reflection has to be had now,” added the 40-year-old. “Tony Pulis provided a lot of success albeit in a certain way. Unfortunately it didn’t work out for Alan Pardew.”