Gordon Taylor has accused English football of institutional racism over the Rooney Rule.

In a fresh attack, the PFA chief has insisted the startling statistic of just two black bosses among the 92 in this country has no chance of improving because of a “hidden racism” within the game.

Chris Powell at Huddersfield and Keith Curle at Carlisle are the only non-white managers in this country. 

Taylor, 69, is angry that a string of qualified black ex-players have given up applying for jobs because they are convinced they will not be considered.

He said: “It should be based on merit. I know these black players have got merit as players and they’ve got merit as coaches.

“I can give you a list of black players who’ve become coaches, who’ve got their (UEFA) A Licence and B Licence, who’ve gone all the way up the ranks and got the Pro Licence and aren’t getting opportunities.

“I know for a fact they’ve got that merit but there is a hidden racism that seems to hold clubs back.”

The Rooney Rule would require chairmen in this country to include at least one candidate of colour on their shortlist when interviewing for new managers.

Taylor has accused Football League supremo Greg Clarke of reneging on a promise to bring up the issue at the body’s AGM.

Appointment: Powell has recently taken over at Huddersfield 

Garth Crooks, a trustee of anti-racism group Kick It Out, has called on Clarke to step down over the row.

Clarke, however, maintains he will not be forced out of his position by the “shrill voices of the vested interests”.

Sir Trevor Brooking, meanwhile, has maintained English football does not need the Rooney Rule.

The 65-year-old said: “I don’t see why you shouldn’t have three black coaches in the final shortlist if they’re the best but I wouldn’t feel comfortable putting somebody in who was not quite ready for the sake of that Rooney argument.

“Given the number of players from all backgrounds, it would be madness if in five or 10 years’ time that’s not reflected in the coaching.

“I’m sure we’ll have 10 out of 92, 20 out of 92, that over a period of time will be from the different ethic mixes.”

Brooking - who recently retired from his role as the FA’s director of football - added: “I’m a strong supporter of trying to invest in the right ethnc mix of players and new coaches - but they’ve got to be on merit.

“At the moment, we haven’t got the number of black coaches that you’d like to put up.”