Graham Taylor denies allegations he was told to limit black players

Former England manager Graham Taylor has denied allegations he spoke about being put under pressure to limit the number of black players he selected for the national team.

Extracts from a book printed in the Guardian allege Taylor told former Birmingham City striker Richie Moran of pressure from the Football Association.

The conversation is alleged to have taken place during the 1999-00 season.

Taylor told BBC Radio 5 live: "I have no memory of that conversation."

He added: "I never had any problem in regards to team selection concerning black players from the FA.

"My record as regards the selection of black players at international and at club level is there for people to see. To have my name linked with that kind of thing is completely wrong."

The FA told BBC Sport it is aware of the allegations, adding that it takes matters of equality very seriously and is proud of the diverse nature of the England team.

Taylor, 70, was England manager between 1990 and 1993, taking charge of 38 games.

He used 59 players during his time at the helm. Sixteen of those players were black, equivalent to 27.12%.

Among those, 12 were handed England debuts by Taylor: Ian Wright, Brian Deane, Earl Barrett, Gary Charles, Mark Walters, Andy Gray, Tony Daley, Carlton Palmer, Keith Curle, Paul Ince, Les Ferdinand and John Salako.

Moran claimed he quit professional football because of "institutionalised racism" in the game and is now an anti-racism campaigner.

Taylor and Moran, 51, are alleged to have had the conversation at a function at Watford, where Taylor was manager from 1977 to 1987 and 1996 to 2001.

Under Taylor England failed to reach the knockout stage of the European Championships in 1992.

He resigned in November 1993 having failed to qualify for the 1994 World Cup in United States.