Breaking news, former West Brom and England centre forward Cyrille Regis has died aged 59. Very sad news.
I first saw Cyrille in 1977 at St James'. He was in the West Brom team that also included Laurie Cunningham and Brendon Batson...three black players in an English club team that at the time was unheard of. They hammered us that 3-0 day. He will always be remembered for his strength, speed and making the game in this country more accessible for black players. RIP.
Very sad news. I developed a soft spot for WBA following their 1978 cup run, and John Wile playing on with a blood soaked bandage around his head in the semi-final (I was too young at the time to register that he was an ex-mackem). Over a 2 or 3 year spell that West Brom team was probably the most entertaining in the country. As well as Batson, Cunningham and Regis, that team also featured Bryan Robson, plus three players destined to sign for us - John Anderson, Mick Martin and John Trewick. Cyrille Regis was an amazing player who scored some great goals. His lasting contribution to football in this country will go far beyond that though as he paved the way for black players to become more accepted in the game, playing at a time when he sadly had to put up with a great deal of **** from ignorant, racist Neanderthals who were far too common on the terraces in the 1970s and early 80s - and sadly still exist in smaller pockets today.
A really brilliant striker in his day. Famous for his West Brom days, but I will always remember the great FA Cup run of 1987 with Coventry City. Fabulous win for the Sky Blues over a rampant Spurs side (Clive Allen et al) and i'm sure it must have been sad for Cyrille to see Coventry City FC slipping the way they have in recent years. A great man, trail-blazer and footballing gentleman. Nice one, Cyrille!
I remember a match in 1991 when Ron Atkinson had just taken over at Villa from Sheff Wed and Villa played Sheff Wed away in his first match; Villa won 3-2 with Regis, Dalian Atkinson and Steve Staunton all scoring on their debut. Sad to think 2 of those 3 are dead now.
Not old enough to remember his early days although remember him playing for Villa. I've enjoyed very much reading about his achievements today though. 59 is way too young. Very sad.
