Paul Canoville's story is one of extreme racist bigotry, shattering
career-ending injury, a decline into drug abuse, battles against cancer,
family tragedy, and a determination to beat the odds. Canoville was
Chelseas first black first-team player, making his debut in 1982. But as
he warmed up on the touchline, his own supporters began chanting "We
don't want the nigger!" The racist bile continued whenever he played,
but within a year he had won over the terraces with his explosive pace
and skill. Canoville fell out with the Chelsea board and moved to
Reading in 1986, where injury suddenly ended his career at the age of
24. This started a downward spiral including the death of his baby in
his arms, two bouts of life-threatening lymph cancer, drug abuse, and
homelessness. But Canoville fought back. In this explosive and shocking
story, Paul finally explains why, despite everything, he is more
positive than ever and has remained a fervent Chelsea fan all his life.
This is a story of hopeeventuallyovercoming adversity."