EFL CLUBS PAY RESPECTS TO LEGEND REGIS
EFL clubs have paid tribute to Cyrille Regis following the former England international’s death.
Regis’ passing at the age of 59 from a heart attack last Sunday stunned the football world and led to an avalanche of tributes.
After starting out in Non-League with Molesey and Hayes, Regis really made his name at West Brom in the late 70s and early 80s.
He then spent seven years with Coventry City, winning the FA Cup in 1987. He went on to play for Aston Villa, Wolves, Wycombe and Chester before hanging up his boots. He also earned five England caps.
Coventry held a minute’s applause before kick-off against Swindon yesterday, while Regis adorned the front cover of the matchday programme.
Players wore black armbands, while there was also a tribute video played on the big screen at half-time.
The Sky Blues said they were ‘deeply shocked and saddened’ to learn of Regis’ death.
“Cyrille was a true Sky Blues legend, a strong, powerful striker and gentleman,” said Coventry. “He was still a regular visitor to the Ricoh Arena on matchdays, always humble and taking the time to speak to supporters.”
Aston Villa manager Steve Bruce made it clear how much respect he had for Regis when they were opponents in their playing days.
“I remember as a young lad at Gillingham, we drew West Brom in the cup,” he said.
“I was a naive centre-half back then, and was pitched against Cyrille Regis. I came off, battered from pillar to post, thinking: ‘wow, he’s some player’.
“What he put up with and the way he handled and conducted himself – he did wonders for everyone, especially black players. He was instrumental and will be greatly missed.”
Villa staged a minute’s applause ahead of their match against Barnsley yesterday.
Wolves also held a minute’s applause before their game against Nottingham Forest at Molineux yesterday and the players wore black armbands.
THE sad news of Cyrille Regis’ death last Sunday shocked the football world and there followed an outpouring of emotion. It’s easy to forget just how tough it was for black footballers to make their mark 40-odd years ago. Aside from having to prove their worth on the football pitch, they also had to be strong enough to overcome the racism that often prevailed in those days.
Nowadays, there are lots of black players and acts of racism are frowned upon and highlighted. Back in the day it was a case of getting on with it, battling on and, often, turning the other cheek.
That was why players like Cyrille Regis were so admired. They were pioneers, leading the way and making it easier for others to follow.
It’s amazing to think that Regis became just England’s third black player when he made his debut back in 1982, following in the footsteps of Viv Anderson and his West Brom team-mate Laurie Cunningham.
Ahead of matches this weekend, the Premier League announced that there would be a minute’s applause before matches and that players would wear black armbands in tributes to Regis.
The Premier League are believed to have taken the decision after a request from the Professional Footballers’ Association.
However, the EFL didn’t organise a Football League-wide tribute. They said that they would offer their full support for any proposed marks of respects that clubs wanted to make this weekend.
“We will always support the recognition of players who have left a lasting legacy on our game,” said the EFL.
But you get the feeling the EFL should have asked all their clubs to carry out a tribute.
Why? Because Cyrille Regis wasn’t just any player. He was a special and much-loved player who played his part in helping to develop football in this country. It would have been fitting and a worthy show of respect.