Herman Ouseley stood up to be counted when football was failing to act on racism | Troy Townsend

Kick It Out pioneer did not seek thanks or praise but to fight discrimination, and did so with wisdom and tenacity

I’m not sure what perfection looks like in a person but I learned so much from my friend and colleague Herman Ouseley, who sadly passed away on Thursday, aged 79. I learned how to conduct myself publicly and privately. I learned how to speak in certain rooms. I learned how to control my anger. I learned how to have certain conversations, even when I suspect the people at the other side of the table are not listening to a word I’m saying and resisting the urge to roll their eyes.

Those are just some of the things I learned from him and they are very strong and powerful qualities for any individual to be blessed with and able to pass on. He had that much of an impact and that much of an influence on me. Most people knew him as Lord Ouseley because that was his official title but I was privileged and honoured enough to know him as just “Herman”.