Cyrille Regis

[baggieal]

Absolutely shocking news. I remember the day vividly when Cyril scored his first goal in the league against Middlesbrough and he was a hero ever since along with Cunningham. In those days, I used to go to the match with my mom who was a passionate West Brom supporter and she loved big Cyril and he was a joy to watch for us both. I did meet Cyril and he reminded me a lot of Big Dave - gave you time - humble - down to earth - lots of time for kids, and a true gent.

Cyril you will be missed and hope " The Lords My Shepherd" will be song from the roof tops against Southampton as you will never be forgotten!

[wolves71]

I heard the news this morning at 8.30am. My Condolences goes out to his family and friends. I'm glad i had the pleasure of seeing him play. RIP Cyrille.

[goodlordmurphy]

Absolutely shocking news. I remember the day vividly when Cyril scored his first goal in the league against Middlesbrough and he was a hero ever since along with Cunningham. In those days, I used to go to the match with my mom who was a passionate West Brom supporter and she loved big Cyril and he was a joy to watch for us both. I did meet Cyril and he reminded me a lot of Big Dave - gave you time - humble - down to earth - lots of time for kids, and a true gent.

Cyril you will be missed and hope " The Lords My Shepherd" will be song from the roof tops against Southampton as you will never be forgotten!

I agree Al...it would be nice to have it sung as they do on Sundays.

[mickd1961]

Was going to post about this tragic news on the Wolves board but this belongs on here.

Such a good person and an absolute bloody powerhouse as a player.

You guys have lost a true legend today. Sleep well big fella.

Very well said Newcy.

This got me to thinking about other "greats" at our near neighbours.

Although it may stick in the throat of a lot of Albion fans I will openly admit I loved watching Steve Bull play, he showed the same raw power and passion that Cyrille showed, brave,direct and all action.

Same with Andy Gray at Villa,absolutely awesome when they were young and raw and injuries were a distance away.

What a joy Trevor Francis was to watch at Blues as well.

Although we barracked them from the terraces I'm sure most of us actually admired them and enjoyed many of their spectacular goals.

It's to be hoped that the icons mentioned live for many years to come but when their day of passing comes their respective fans will appreciate how most Albion fans feel on this bone chilling and sad January day.

[GLAWSTERBAGGIE]

Apparently has passed away from a heart attack last night.
Saw him make his debut and was an amazing player.

That goal against Man U at Old Trafford!!!

RIP Big man

RIP Smokin Joe ,

You were my idol growing up ,

Gutted you have gone,

Let's hope heavens got a good keeper .

[Whicka_Mon]

Was indeed lucky to have see Cyrille's Rotherham debut on a bitterly cold night as I recall. Was at Old Trafford for that match and could not believe how lucky we were with that team and him to lead the line in it. I met him at a nightclub near Five Ways with my first real girlfriend who said just go up and say hello. I finally steeled myself and did so. He shook my hand but I was so in awe of him I could barely speak. He just smiled that smile and i was absolutely chuffed to bits. This has been one of the saddest days I can remember. What a player. And what was so fantastic was with him, Cunningham and Batson in the team it became utterly impossible to support the Baggies and be racist. He transformed ordinary people's lives in a way that very few could. Joyous and Legendary.

Great words, truly great. It really was impossible to be racist.
You are absolutely correct. My generation was brought up racist I am sure many were. It was a generation thing. It was not only black peoples lives that the three of them changed. They stood apart but we stood with them.
Truly moved by the phone in on WM.

[Newcy Wolf]

Very well said Newcy.

This got me to thinking about other "greats" at our near neighbours.

Although it may stick in the throat of a lot of Albion fans I will openly admit I loved watching Steve Bull play, he showed the same raw power and passion that Cyrille showed, brave,direct and all action.

Same with Andy Gray at Villa,absolutely awesome when they were young and raw and injuries were a distance away.

What a joy Trevor Francis was to watch at Blues as well.

Although we barracked them from the terraces I'm sure most of us actually admired them and enjoyed many of their spectacular goals.

It's to be hoped that the icons mentioned live for many years to come but when their day of passing comes their respective fans will appreciate how most Albion fans feel on this bone chilling and sad January day.

The more I read that the more I can see it.

Two 'real' no nonsense number 9's regardless of clubs, level, background, whatever.

Something that sticks in my head is switching through the channels some years ago (cannot remember when) and seeing Cyrille on Songs Of Praise in his element, singing, clapping, doing what he loved and loving what he believed in.

Again, great player but more important, great man.

[westcountryvillain]

There's a thread up on VM too and I've posted there but couldn't stop by without sharing in the love for big Cyrille, he was a proper footballer and down to earth bloke who connected with fans like only the true greats do. He was immensely popular in his time with us too and respected wherever he went. Condolences baggies.

R.I.P Cyrille - a Midlands legend

[boingy]

Really sad news
I just wanted to pass on my condolences and thought this would be the best place to do it.

RIP Cyrille

Thanks JJ this was his home appreciate that.

[stateside]

Stunned this morning when I read the news. Although he was a Villan for a while, I associate mainly as one of your own. Such a great player and person wherever he was.

I recall, when we played Albion his name on the team sheet put fear into me. RIP Big Cyrille.