20 Facts About Paul Canoville

Paul Kenneth Canoville was born on 4 March 1962 and is an English former professional footballer who played as a winger.

Paul Canoville was the first black player to play for Chelsea, and received a negative reception from racist elements amongst Chelsea supporters.

Paul Canoville later had spells with non-league clubs Enfield, Maidenhead United, Northwood, and Egham Town.

Paul Kenneth Canoville was born to Udine Patricia "Patsy" Lake on 4 March 1962 at 10 Albert Road, Southall.

Paul Canoville's mother emigrated to England from Anguilla and his father had come from the Commonwealth of Dominica.

Paul Canoville started out playing semi-professionally for Southern League side Hillingdon Borough, and slept in an abandoned car as he had nowhere to stay.

Paul Canoville made his debut, and became Chelsea's first Black player, against Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park on 12 April 1982, coming on as a late substitute for Clive Walker, who had scored the only goal of the game.

Paul Canoville gradually won over the majority of supporters to the point that his name was sung by Chelsea fans, though the racist abuse continued for years.

Chelsea won promotion to the First Division as champions of the Second Division, and Paul Canoville scored seven goals in 25 appearances.

Chelsea ended the season in sixth place, and Paul Canoville had scored four goals in 35 games.

Paul Canoville became unsettled at the club after fighting a teammate who had racially abused him following a night of heavy drinking.

Paul Canoville saw the move as a fresh start away from the racist abuse he had received at Chelsea, and he was more respected at Reading due to his experience in the First Division.

Paul Canoville went on to feature a total of eight times that season, including in a League Cup win over former club Chelsea at Stamford Bridge, but was never able to fully regain match fitness.

In November 1987 his knee gave way again and Paul Canoville announced his retirement from professional football.

Paul Canoville moved down to non-league football, making appearances for Enfield, Maidenhead United and Burnham.

Paul Canoville later played for Egham Town despite suffering from drug addiction.

Paul Canoville had pace, good crossing ability and contributed goals from the left-wing.

Paul Canoville met most of the women through the London rave and acid house party scene.

Paul Canoville had built a good career as a DJ after retiring as a footballer, but sold his records and equipment to pay for crack.

Paul Canoville underwent a course of chemotherapy for the illness and made a full recovery.