Big Cyrille (4 Viewers)

[Londonccfcfan]

Shocked by this news, still hasn't sunk in. A legend of a human being by all accounts. True sky blue legend. What a personality.

The guy oozed class and respect.

RIP SIR Cyrille Regis.

 

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[cloughie]

Can anyone confirm if the fans are doing something for Saturday as I will gladly make it my first game of the season for me. Was my hero as a lad and he always spoke to my old dad and had all the time in the world for anyone.
Might bump into Matesx or Reg or old Cloughie.

got to honest I am really tempted despite never again until sisu go but got problems at home .........her indoors

 

[Adge]

I have read all the posts on this thread and am glad so many have spoke about this icon of a man and today we ALL share the same viewpoint for a change. I’ve had a lump in my throat all day and am still numb as he was/is my first real hero. They say you should never meet your heroes and I have been lucky enough to have met some of mine and met Cyrille a few times but I was/still am in awe of the man. But a true gentleman he was on and off the pitch.
As Elvis Presley did for music, Cyrille Regis done for English Football and broke down the barriers and done all his talking on the pitch despite the abuse he suffered. A real pioneer that today’s players should be thankful for.
The word “Legend” is all too often used today to describe somebody and I will not disrespect Cyrille and mention in the same breath some of the halfwits who have been at the club since who are not fit to lace this great mans boots.
Thanks for the memories big C.
Cyrille Cyrille Cyrille!

 

[Houchens Head]

One CCFC legend talking about another....

Cyrille Regis was my footballing hero - Dublin, In Short - BBC Radio 5 live

I've just sat listening to this and just cried my eyes out. Such love and emotion from Dion. It's been a long time since I shed tears for anyone, probably when John Lennon was shot, but Dion's interview really got to me.

 

[dadgad]

Yeah, emotional stuff. Demonstrates what potential to be a force for good anyone can be despite the odds.
The appreciation from fans who were not either Baggies or City speaks volumes.
Tremendous feller on and off the pitch.

 

[chiefdave]

Been away from the computer all day but was devastated when I heard on the radio this morning.

RIP Big Cyrille. A proper legend.

 

[cloughie]

Having listened to Brian Deane Dion Benno Dave Phillips Sillett and more and see the tears in some of their eyes says it all about the man on and off the pitch.
because of the things he went through the bananas throw ,and ate one and said thanks etc it was something he probably had at WBA more than CCFC so we didn't see it as much but it just occurred to me which is weird but I never saw him as black just Cyrille.
We just sang Cyrille Cyrille Cyrille in the west end
Thanks Cyrille you are a true Sky Blue Legend

 

[westcountry_skyblue]

I met my hero about four years ago,He was in a Spanish bar in Bristol(El Rincon) by Ashton Gate just before that game were the puddles all over the pitch we won 2-1 Moussa and Turner the scorers if I remember.
Anyway was with some Bristol City supporting mates and there was Cyrille at the back with friends keeping himself to himself.
I thought go and say hello,So I did and what a pleasant guy not big headed and he was really chuffed he had made my day I thanked him for all the good days he had brought me over the years.
Thanks again Big man still cant believe it 59 is no age my you rest in peace!!

 

[Irish Sky Blue]

A really sad day for me. Cyrille one of my all time Sky Blue heroes.
It is hard to believe that things were as bad as they were in the 70s. I went to the Hawthorns to see City play a Friday night match against Albion. The abuse that Cyrille and the other black West Brom players took that night from some City fans was shocking including monkey noises and bananas thrown onto the pitch. It says a lot for him as a man that he came through what must have been a regular match day occurrence for him by showing up the bigots with his courage and his class. I love the story about him getting out with the groundstaff at Ryton on a snowy day, picking up a shovel and helping them clear the car park. It shows he had no airs and graces and was a humble man. As a player he just oozed power and class, as I have said before on here, a real Rolls Royce of a player. He was a nightmare against us for West Brom and I was present when he destroyed us in the 7-1 trashing and again when he scored a typical bazooka goal in the FA Cup quarter final match to send us out.
In the fifty odd years I have watched us we have had some good centre forwards but Cyrille would be my all time favourite. I loved his rebound goal against Spurs but my favourite was the one at Hilsborough which showed his power, pace and cannonball shot. He was the main player in our cup run and therefore played a huge part in giving me and thousands of others one of the best days of our lives.
I enjoyed the chants from the West End of “Cyrille Regis Alleluia, Alleluia” after he announced he had become a born again Christian. I always felt that there was a bit of extra dig in his challenges after that as if to say “I might have become a Christian, but I haven’t gone soft”.
The season that Butcher released him (what a fool) I thought that Cyrille was playing the best football he had played for us. He wasn’t scoring a bag full of goals but his touch and link up play, his overall game was just sublime.
Sad day for City and Albion fans but devastating for his family I would say as he seems such a good and kindly man.

 

[ollyservetta]

devastated , rip big man , remember that sunday we beat everton to stay up , the players on the roof infront the main stand , lead by the man himself with a big bottle of bubbly , great days , great memories , thankyou and god bless

 

[Broken Hearted Sky Blue]

In an ere when people have done not very much to be called legends, this man deserves the title. Not just for giving us that can remember May 1987 but for the man that he was. How many players will receive the warm and emotional words from the football community that he had. RIP

 

[oakey]

Cyrille was as close to a God as a footballer can get. We all adored him. Words are insufficient.
This is the first time a City player has died when I feel like a member of my family has died.
Big tribute on Saturday please.

 

[The CableGuy]

As a black City fan, Big C was my hero.

Those were the days. Highfield Road in the 80's. Watching top-division football. The crowd, the passion, the songs echoing from the West Terrace.

And on the pitch, the focal point of City's attacks, was big Cyrille. When he got the ball, you knew something was going to happen. Watching him bearing down on goal, battered defenders in his wake, was a sight like no other in football, then or since. I couldn't believe it when I heard the news on CWR, a legend gone far too soon,

Thanks Cyrille, for many, many happy days. You will be missed.

 

[Johnnythespider]

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro

Great picture that, is it just me or does Greg Downs look like snozzes son

 

[curly_tom]

My first ever hero died last night. I had his picture on my wall when I was a kid. He was such a heroic player for Cov. My dad walked me around the pitch and called him over to meet me once when I was about 9, he came over and told the steward it was ok. He signed my autograph book and patted me on the head. He was a pioneer for black players in England but that wasn't really the reason I loved him, he was just the perfect footballer and he played for my team. I loved him and feel very sad to hear of his sudden demise. Thanks Cyrille.

 

[Covstu]

Just really taken by the coverage on every channel of his death, really overwhelming respect and admiration for him and what he did for the game.
Wouldn’t it be great if city and the baggies had a memorial game in his honour

 

[Cov kid 55]

A really sad day for me. Cyrille one of my all time Sky Blue heroes.
It is hard to believe that things were as bad as they were in the 70s. I went to the Hawthorns to see City play a Friday night match against Albion. The abuse that Cyrille and the other black West Brom players took that night from some City fans was shocking including monkey noises and bananas thrown onto the pitch. It says a lot for him as a man that he came through what must have been a regular match day occurrence for him by showing up the bigots with his courage and his class. I love the story about him getting out with the groundstaff at Ryton on a snowy day, picking up a shovel and helping them clear the car park. It shows he had no airs and graces and was a humble man. As a player he just oozed power and class, as I have said before on here, a real Rolls Royce of a player. He was a nightmare against us for West Brom and I was present when he destroyed us in the 7-1 trashing and again when he scored a typical bazooka goal in the FA Cup quarter final match to send us out.
In the fifty odd years I have watched us we have had some good centre forwards but Cyrille would be my all time favourite. I loved his rebound goal against Spurs but my favourite was the one at Hilsborough which showed his power, pace and cannonball shot. He was the main player in our cup run and therefore played a huge part in giving me and thousands of others one of the best days of our lives.
I enjoyed the chants from the West End of “Cyrille Regis Alleluia, Alleluia” after he announced he had become a born again Christian. I always felt that there was a bit of extra dig in his challenges after that as if to say “I might have become a Christian, but I haven’t gone soft”.
The season that Butcher released him (what a fool) I thought that Cyrille was playing the best football he had played for us. He wasn’t scoring a bag full of goals but his touch and link up play, his overall game was just sublime.
Sad day for City and Albion fans but devastating for his family I would say as he seems such a good and kindly man.

An excellent post, thank you. I was at Hillsborough that day and that first goal was tremendous, and sent us on our way to Wembley. A great player, and by all accounts, a gentleman, humble, approachable, brave.

 

[Houchens Head]

Just really taken by the coverage on every channel of his death, really overwhelming respect and admiration for him and what he did for the game.
Wouldn’t it be great if city and the baggies had a memorial game in his honour

Love this idea. Money raised could perhaps go to his favourite charity or a youth team needing cash flow. I'm sure his family would know how he'd like it spread around.

 

[dancers lance]

Here's the wording of a parliamentary early day motion (used to put on record the views of MPs or to draw attention to specific events or campaigns) which is being put forward by local MPs Tom Watson, Valerie Vaz, John Spellar and Ian Austin:

"That this house notes the passing of footballer Cyrille Regis MBE at the age of 59; recognises his achievements as one of the most talented, dynamic and prolific footballers of the 1970s and 1980s and his huge popularity at the clubs he played at, in particular West Bromwich Albion and Coventry City where he spent the bulk of his career, as well as Aston Villa and Wolverhampton Wanderers, and in winning five caps for England; remembers his charisma on and off the pitch, and his tireless charity work following his retirement from playing; salutes his contribution to tackling racism in sport, and his status as a role model at a time when black players experienced severe racism; calls on the government to redouble efforts to work with governing bodies and clubs to eradicate all racism in sport; and extends sincere sympathy to his family, his friends and all who mourn him".

Edit: From the WBA forum.

 

[rupert_bear]

There will be tributes at Saturdays Swindon game of that I’m certain, I know 3 lapsed fans going up to be part of any tributes to a legend. It will be emotional similar I suspect to the Jimmy Hill one a couple of seasons ago. I think again the 87th minute will be poignant and impromptu, will be sad but can’t miss it

 

[skyblue025]

Devastating news. Couldn't believe we signed him when we got him from West Brom. A true hero of mine. Scored my favourite city goal in my favourite City game with the winner v Spurs. I can still see it now, the cross coming in, Cyrille's header, Clemence tipping it into the bar, my disappointment he had saved it, then it was like in slow motion stood on the West terrace as the ball looped up, I held my breath as I knew he was going to score. The absolute elation as he nodded it in. Hugging, jumping up and down with people who I hadn't met before or since.

Thanks for the memories. RIP Cyrille.

 

[BodicoteSkyBlue]

I too was there that day Skyblue025, passion,proper football hugging random strangers. Not that sanitised Disneyland premiership nonsense kids watch now. Thanks Cyrille for so many happy memories from my youth.

 

[CCFC54321]

I was standing next to him a few weeks ago and looked fit and healthy. So bloody sad.

Something tells me we should do something at MK Dons in the FA cup as well as Saturday? This guy contributed to one of the best days this city ever had with the FA cup.

Any suggestions?

 

[Cov kid 55]

I’ve just emailed bbc breakfast suggesting that they mention in their coverage of Cyrille, his winning of an FA Cup winners medal with City in 1987. Quite right that they focus on his role as a black footballer leading the way against racism, but worth noting his major success in the domestic game. I have to go out now, can someone have a look at their 8.35am sports bulletin, and see if they pick it up, please?

 

[matesx]

I’m all over it

 

[richnrg]

I play vets football on a Monday night. Last night I wore the 1987 home kit in honour of Cyrille. A few of the other lads got the reference, and spoke about what a great player he was (I play in Bournemouth). I was desperate to score a goal, and after a few close calls managed to slot one home, shouting 'Regisssss!' in my best Brian Moore voice as it hit the back of the net. I'll never stop wanting to play like Cyrille - I hope he was watching.

 

[skybluesam66]

2 personal Cyrille stories

1. When we were looking for a centre forward, I met Bobby gould in park lane. we were supposedly after peter withe at the time. I told him to go for Cyrille
Gouldy said that Regis would not give a full season! The rest is history (albeit he was probably already part way through the negotiations)

2. I was at liverpool - the 3-0 Molby hat trick game. I was sat with Friends in the Liverpool end. At 1-0 down, cyrille was through on goal. I stood up (forgetting where I was) - and at the same point my voice inexplicably went really high pitched. I shouted "go on Cyrille". For the rest of the game hundreds of scousers around me - everytime he got the ball shouted in a similar voice but in Scouse "go on cyrille". Good humoured, but they well and truly took the poss

 

[Captain Dart]

I've just sat listening to this and just cried my eyes out. Such love and emotion from Dion. It's been a long time since I shed tears for anyone, probably when John Lennon was shot, but Dion's interview really got to me.

Good stuff on radio 5 last night about how he talked to some football mad kids in Hackney just a few years ago, a social worker asked him to help her on spec. & he turned up and talked to these footie mad 13/14 year olds who were at risk of joining gangs & such like, he started by saying you probably never heard of me (which of course they hadn't) but here is a short video of some of my best goals, after seeing that they were all attentive and he spent a lot of time there chatting one on one. Probably still on iPlayer, the program they aired around 11pm last night. I'm getting the impression that was entirely typical of him.

 

[tisza]

Some incredible tributes etc. reported across the media. Dion's very emotional.

 

[skybluesam66]

so Saturday should it be
Minute's Silence
Minute applause
or a minute of the whole crowd shouting "Cyrille, Cyrille"

I think the latter would be perfect

 

[tisza]

so Saturday should it be
Minute's Silence
Minute applause
or a minute of the whole crowd shouting "Cyrille, Cyrille"

I think the latter would be perfect

needs to be something positive and celebratory as that would reflect his contribution to football as well as his on personality

 

[hill83]

The stories of racist abuse back then sickens me. These people are still about, its not even that long ago. Some of the stories I hear from my mum would turn your stomach.

I’m not old enough to remember Cyrille playing but he’s in everyone’s top 5 list I’ve spoken to. Legend.

RIP.

 

[skybluesam66]

The stories of racist abuse back then sickens me. These people are still about, its not even that long ago. Some of the stories I hear from my mum would turn your stomach.

I’m not old enough to remember Cyrille playing but he’s in everyone’s top 5 list I’ve spoken too. Legend.

RIP.

it really was a different world - and people were very uneducated then
it is strange and sad to look back and think what was normal!

I am not talking about some of the openly nasty things, but just look back at 70s main stream comedy and entertainment

Love thy neighbour
Alf Garnett
Mind your language
Jim Davidson
Black and white minstrels etc, etc

 

[hill83]

it really was a different world - and people were very uneducated then
it is strange and sad to look back and think what was normal!

I am not talking about some of the openly nasty things, but just look back at 70s main stream comedy and entertainment

Love thy neighbour
Alf Garnett
Mind your language
Jim Davidson
Black and white minstrels etc, etc

When my nan married my grandad who came over from Jamaica her entire family disowned her in the late 50s. Fuck them.

I’ve met Jim Davidson when I was on big break in 1998. “Shut that c**t kid up now” during a rehearsal. Among other things, the blokes a twat.

Last comment on it as I don’t want to go too off topic.

 

[oucho]

I wonder if a fitting tribute to Mr Regis might form part of the new tenancy deal with Wasps. Especially if we get a long term lease, it may be an idea that one of the stands is named in his honour, even if the name is only used for CCFC games only. I could see that working and think it's possible that Wasps could agree to that. If so, we may become the first club in the country to name a stand after a black player (correct me if I am wrong on this).