Football pays tribute to Cyrille Regis

English football is paying its tributes to Cyrille Regis, who died at the weekend at the age of 59.

Regis played a handful of matches in the Premier League for Aston Villa towards the end of his career. But he was perhaps best known for his days at West Bromwich Albion from the 1970s.

"This is terribly shocking and upsetting news and our thoughts and condolences are with Cyrille's family," West Brom chairman John Williams said on the club's official website. 

VIDEO: Regis on WBA's Diversity Day

"We also know Cyrille's passing will be felt deeply among all our supporters for whom he was the ultimate hero - a wonderful, exciting centre-forward who remained in close contact with the Club beyond his playing days.

"Everyone will have their precious memories of him as a family man, as a crusader against bigotry - which can never be under-estimated -  and as a man who threw considerable energy into a series of worthy causes."

Regis's pioneering efforts to advance representation of BAME players in English football were recognised last year with a special award at the Football Black List event in November.

"Cyrille Regis was a fantastic footballer and a trailblazer for black players at all levels of the sport," Premier League Executive Chairman, Richard Scudamore, said. "The way he conducted himself on the pitch, and in his post-playing career as a campaigner and role model, had a hugely positive impact on English football. Everyone involved in the game owes him a debt of gratitude." 

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