A very emotional Dion Dublin talking about the influence Cyrille Regis had on him and fellow black players.
People not around in that era probably don`t understand just how much abuse black players took at the time and just how strong and ground-breaking the likes of Cyrille were breaking down these pathetic, ignorant views from the racist element in football.
Our forum thread: RIP Cyrille Regis – A True Midlands Footballing Icon
There is also a lovely blog by Lord Bishop on www.avfc.co.uk
Everyone involved in West Midlands football will have a favourite memory of Cyrille Regis, and no doubt the vast majority with focus on his many sensational goals.
But I will always remember the big man best for handing me an early Christmas present a few months after his transfer from Coventry City to Villa.
At the time, I was working for the Birmingham Mail, covering the fortunes of all the local clubs (yes, even that lot on the other side of the city).
But when my editor decided that we should have a photo of a footballer dressed as Santa Claus on the back page, he insisted that it had to be a Villa player. And I was the reporter handed the task of organising it.
That left me with a problem. Although I knew Ron Atkinson`s lads pretty well, most of them were reluctant to engage in a spot of festive fun.
As the days passed, it seemed highly unlikely that I was going to deliver. But my luck changed when I made the request to Cyrille. Read the full story by Rob: www.avfc.co.uk
There will be a minutes applause before the match on Saturday. I’ve asked if the club can put #9 and an image of Cyrille on the 9th minute, not sure if they will or indeed can, but would be nice to spend that minute singing One Cyrille Regis.
This was the goal I was thinking of @robbishopavfc 4 mins 50 ish in, v Coventry. Final cross was Staunton but I’m sure it was @TonyDaley7 who bombed down the wing to start the move. Very early goal.https://t.co/lU9MGG6V5j
Vital Villa (@VitalVilla) January 19, 2018
I wish the Spurs manager would just shut up. Either re-call him or leave him be. I’d send him back and use our own. Thoughts? #AVFC #THFC #COYS https://t.co/Jpme0WSxaE
Vital Villa (@VitalVilla) January 19, 2018
