Following Raheem Sterling’s call for the FA to appoint more administrators for black players throughout the game to relate to, Les Ferdinand is the man players want at English football’s top table according to Darren Lewis.

Newcastle and QPR legend Ferdinand, 53, is currently the head of football operations at Loftus Road and commands widespread respect throughout the game.

Two years ago he revealed the FA had decided against appointing him Technical Director, despite interviewing him for the role as Dan Ashworth’s replacement.

But Ferdinand is still seen as a skilled administrator with an understanding of every aspect of the game has made his way from non-league Hayes to playing up front for England.

Crucially he is regarded by players for ex-pros as connected enough to the game to understand their concerns.

There is also admiration among black players for his hard-hitting interviews over the past year within which Ferdinand has given uncompromising assessments of football’s lack of representation.