Trailblazing striker Cyrille Regis has died at the age of 59.
West Brom hails Regis as “one of the great symbols of the fight against racism in Britain as a pioneer for black footballers across this nation and beyond.”
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Regis was a key part of West Brom trio “Three Degrees” with Laurie Cunningham and Brendon Batson, won the 1987 FA Cup with Coventry City and was just the third black player to be capped by England. He was appointed Member of the Order of the British Empire.
He scored 81 goals at West Brom before moving on to pot another 47 at Coventry City in a career with stops at Aston Villa, Wolves, Wycombe Wanderers, and Chester City.
Tributes poured in for Regis on Monday from across the football world on a day celebrated in the United States for civil rights icon Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
In all my decades of covering Midlands football,there has been no figure more admired or loved among we reporters than Cyrille Regis. He scored goals we dreamed of while lying in the bath,routed the racists,respected the fans - and smiled. Always. RIP
— Pat Murphy (@patmurphybbc) January 15, 2018
Heavy heart this morning, just heard that Cyrille Regis has passed away age 59. He was more than just a footballer, he blazed a trail for every black player who followed him, an inspiration to myself and many players of my era. A humble man and a great man.#RIPC
— Brighty (@Mark__Bright) January 15, 2018
Absolutely devastated, upset and shocked. Thoughts are with all your family and friends. You helped me and my family from the start of my career and words can’t describe how thankful we are or how deeply you will be missed. Couldn’t have wished for a better mentor. RIP Cyrille
— Ciaran Clark (@C___Clark) January 15, 2018
Remember writing a column with Alan Hansen and the subject of Cyrille Regis came up and he said: "I'm breaking out in a sweat just thinking about playing against him."
— Phil McNulty (@philmcnulty) January 15, 2018
What a man. What a centre-forward! One of my earliest football memories was walking into WBA for a trial as a 13 year old kid, seeing Cyrille Regis and being in awe of him. RIP big man 😢
— Alan Shearer (@alanshearer) January 15, 2018
A spectacular 1981-82 goal of the season, a wonderful moment.
— BBC Sport (@BBCSport) January 15, 2018
What is your favourite Cyrille Regis memory? Tell us using #bbcfootball #RIPCyrilleRegis pic.twitter.com/niI6E1ItNF
Everyone at Coventry City are deeply shocked and saddened to learn of the death of #SkyBlues legend and FA Cup winning hero Cyrille Regis #PUSB pic.twitter.com/HX51mBdPpH
— Coventry City (@Coventry_City) January 15, 2018
#RIP Cyrille Regis ⚽
— BBC News Midlands (@bbcmtd) January 15, 2018
"This is my club" https://t.co/LTVYHwHJZT pic.twitter.com/5LNOjSwujy
Saddened to hear of the passing of Cyrille Regis. Sleep well big man💙
— Jonas Olsson (@J_OlssonViasat) January 15, 2018
So sad to hear that Cyrille Regis has passed. He was an icon, a trailblazer and a hero in my household growing up. So many footballers of colour have stood on his shoulders. What a legacy. Rest In Peace. https://t.co/MlLcMDVtdq pic.twitter.com/YfGJlhpPsD
— David Lammy (@DavidLammy) January 15, 2018
There are not many West Brom legends who could walk through the door at Wolves and be idolised from day one. Such was the respect that Cyrille Regis commanded. Revered in the West Midlands and way beyond. #WBA #WWFC #SkyBlues #AVFC
— Jacqui Oatley (@JacquiOatley) January 15, 2018
Rest in peace to a WBA legend, done so much for so many people. Thank you! RIP Cyrille Regis❤️
— Isaiah Brown (@izzyjaybrown) January 15, 2018
Sad news today when I heard of the passing of a football legend Cyrille Regis. I remember looking up to him for being one of the first black players to really make it! 59 so young condolences to his family and friends RIP. pic.twitter.com/s08HYpjDRB
— Sol Campbell (@SolManOfficial) January 15, 2018
