Minute Of Applause To Be Held For Regis

Brighton & Hove Albion and Chelsea will wear black armbands tomorrow, and the two clubs will hold a minute’s applause ahead of kick-off, to honour the life of Cyrille Regis this weekend.

The former West Bromwich Albion and Coventry City striker sadly passed away at the age of 59 on Monday, following an inspirational career both on and off the pitch.

Regis was born in Guiana, South America, but moved to England with his family in 1963, before stepping onto the professional football scene in 1977 after spells in non-league.

The Baggies plucked Regis out of non-league in 1977 for an upfront fee of £5,000, and the striker scored twice on his debut in a 4-0 victory over Rotherham United in the League Cup.

After playing over 240 games for the West Midlanders, Coventry City secured the services of Regis for £250,000 in 1984, and he was part of the club’s FA Cup-winning side that claimed a famous 3-2 victory over Tottenham Hotspur in 1987.

Regis enjoyed shorter spells at Aston Villa, Wolverhampton Wanderers, Wycombe Wanderers and Chester City before hanging up his boots in 1996.

The forward also collected five caps for England during his playing days, and was only the third black player to represent the Three Lions behind Viv Anderson and Laurie Cunningham.

Regis was awarded an MBE in the Queen’s 2008 Birthday Honours, as an appreciation for his services to the voluntary sector.

The Premier League has requested that all clubs hold a minute’s applause this weekend and wear black arm bands