I NOTICED that October has been called Black History Month.

It coincided with the announcement that Saints had commemorated Alf Charles, the first black player they had, back in 1937.

Franny Benali this week unveiled a plaque in Guildhall Square in honour of Alf, who died in 1977.

It took my mind and I’m sure many supporters back to when I signed a few apprentices from the youth policy back in the 70s – the three Wallace brothers and George Lawrence, all from the London area.

In those days, whilst I was having youngsters sent from scouts in the North East, London and Bristol areas particularly, as well as of course our own area, who had been recommended by ex-players or even passionate supporters, my staff and I could see them during their school holiday.

But I couldn’t sign them officially until they were 14.

And then, as I’ve said before, that meant no other club could have them. So they then came officially every school holiday until leaving school, when I had to make the decision to give them an apprenticeship. That was for two years, and then I had to make a decision at 18 whether to give them a professional contract.

I assumed that was still the order of the day. I could not believe, and still find it difficult, to see Arsenal have had to come out and say they haven’t officially signed Zayn Ali Salman, but that he has been training as part of their pre-academy.

I assumed the statement had made a mistake because it said he was four years old when Arsenal spotted him, not 14. But apparently youngsters like that four-year-old are able to attend training sessions at some of our Premier League clubs. Seriously, I am not sure this is a good thing.

His school friends, that is if he has actually started school yet having now just turned five, will obviously be aware and might possibly call him a bit of a big head! The youngster himself may lose concentration on lessons as he probably is dreaming about becoming a first-team player.

Either way, why not stick to the old days – 14, in my books, is probably early enough.

Two managers depart

I was fairly surprised to see one of our ex-managers, Nigel Adkins, leaving his latest club, Charlton.

They have had a difficult start to the season and Nigel, who is now 56, has managed seven clubs and it is possibly time for him to now consider staying in football at some other level.

He has certainly got a lot of experience, and promotions, including two with Saints.

But he was a very nice fella, and I wish him good luck, whatever he takes on next.

I wouldn’t be surprised if he isn’t already contacting Newcastle, as, as everyone expected they have moved on Steve Bruce. Presumably the door is still open as no announcement has been made of his replacement.

A few names have already been mentioned, the majority are from abroad.

But knowing the supporters up there, they will have their own choice. But having read and still talking up there about Steve leaving with £8million pay-off, the next manager will obviously be under that sort of financial rewards pressure as soon as he signs. And he will need to get the team winning as quickly as possible, or he will hear his name chanted, not in the nicest way, from about 50,000 voices at the same time.

Another in that category at present, surprisingly, is Ole Gunnar Solskjaer at Manchester United.

Unlike Newcastle, they are nearer the top. But not near enough for their history and support.

I couldn’t believe in their last Premier League game against Leicester, which they lost 4-2, the number of international caps in their team was 532.

And then Mr Pogba, who has not really performed as well as everyone has expected, came out with a statement looking as though he was blaming everyone else except himself.

Ole is not the sort of manager, I don’t think, who can be like the old golden days and demand the club statements only coming from their side.

But another very nice chap, who I personally hope can get his club back on the winning route to shut people like Pogba up and tell him to get on with it.