Cyrille Regis dies at the age of 59

[alfieconn]

Cyrille Regis was not simply an outstanding striker for West Bromwich Albion and an FA Cup winner with Coventry City in 1987 – he was a role model and a trailblazer for black footballers.

Regis, along with Brendan Batson and Laurie Cunningham at West Brom and the likes of Viv Anderson at Nottingham Forest, broke down barriers and demonstrated what could be achieved at a time when high-profile black players were a rarity in Britain.

And Regis, who has died aged 59, did it the hard way coming through the Isthmian League at Hayes before being spotted and signed for The Baggies by then manager Ronnie Allen in May 1977.

It was under Ron Atkinson that he achieved the status that made him a legend at The Hawthorns, a striker of explosive, raw power and finishing who could unsettle any defender and any defence. Regis was powerful in the air, quick and a scorer of any type of goal, spectacular or scrappy.

Regis was a gentle man away from football but such was his threat on the field, particularly when subjected to heavy physical attentions from opponents, that opposing managers used to specifically instruct their players not to upset him or annoy him in any way as the results could be devastating. In full flight, Regis was a magnificent sight.

For all the glorious memories he created at West Bromwich Albion, Regis is also remembered fondly at Coventry City, where he was a member of the side that won the FA Cup in 1987, beating Tottenham 3-2 at Wembley.

Regis also played for Aston Villa, Wolves, Wycombe Wanderers and Chester City later in his career but it was at West Brom and Coventry where he enjoyed his greatest glory.

He will be remembered as one of the most significant footballing figures of his generation, not just for his impact on the field but his wider influence off it.

[smokie36]

A fantastic footballer and total inspiration to many.

 

Scored some brilliant goals too.

 

RIP.

[StevieH]

yeah RIP. beautiful footballer and a brave man. 

[alfieconn]

Out of all the player's at that time he is one of the one's that stands out even though he didn't play for one of the big club's !