Roly Gregoire

Roly Gregoire, born in 1958 in Toxteth, Liverpool, holds the distinction of being Sunderland's first black player. Growing up in a multicultural environment and raised by Windrush Generation parents from Dominica, Gregoire faced significant challenges during his career, especially in a predominantly white Sunderland during the late 1970s. Despite being welcomed by some teammates, he experienced racism and isolation, particularly during a pre-season tour in Kenya, where he encountered disrespectful behavior from peers and hosts alike. His experiences highlight the struggles faced by early black players in English football.