Tributes to ‘role model’ Cyrille Regis
last year that he would provide funds if it hadn’t gone through. If that has changed, it would be beneficial for the fan-base to know at the moment. Has something changed? It’s a simple question. Either way Newcastle still need players, it will be up to Charnley to step things up this week and ensure Benitez gets the support he needs around him. Newcastle named a starting XI that consisted of players that had all featured in the Championship only last season and it is clear they need that little bit of extra quality to make the difference. The fact he is naming soon-to-be out of contract players on the bench like Massadio Haidara, whose future surely lies elsewhere, sums up Benitez’s lack of options.
They need players that can make the difference on days like Saturday.
There wasn’t much wrong with Benitez’s game plan, the team created plenty of chances, they just lacked the finesse and quality to convert when they were on the top.
That comes with having experienced and quality players in the ranks.
It’s worth commenting that the supporters have not created a difficult atmosphere for the players to play in.
Instead, they have backed a team that needs as much as help as they can get.
Somehow Benitez still keeps squeezing out points from Premier League games, but Rafa Benitez is naming soon to be out of contract players - Like Massadio Haidara, right, – on the bench while the window is open, the Magpies have to make use of it – or if injuries do cut into this squad the club are taking a big gamble when it comes to withholding funds to bring in new faces.
Relegation will only result in the club’s value plummeting on the market, and when it comes to fighting the drop. the Magpies are not out the woods yet. CYRILLE Regis’ widow has described her late husband as a “role model” and “a very precious treasure” after his death at the age of 59.
Team-mates and others from the world of football and beyond paid tribute to the former West Brom and Coventry striker, who blazed a trail for black footballers in Britain.
His wife Julia said in a statement: “Cyrille and I were soulmates. He was the perfect man for me and we had a wonderful life together. He was a beautiful man and a wonderful husband, father, grandfather, brother and uncle.
“Losing him has turned my whole world upside down, it is a void that will never be filled.
“I have been moved by the many messages of support and condolences I have received and the kind things people have said about Cyrille as a person and a professional.
“He came into football the hard way and never lost his passion for the game. He was a role model for so many because he always treated everyone he met with kindness and respect.
“The world has lost a very precious treasure.”
Regis is survived by his wife, who he married in 2006, his children from his first marriage Robert and Michelle, and his grandchildren Jayda, Renee and Riley.
Professional Footballers’ Association chief executive Gordon Taylor later paid his own tribute to one of the modern game’s pioneers.
Taylor said in a statement on the PFA’s official website, www. pfa.com: “Cyrille was a true legend and great pioneer for equality, a former PFA Young Player of The Year and real gentleman who will be sadly missed by all who knew him.”