Cyrille Regis, born in Maripasoula, French Guiana, moved to England in his youth, started work as an electrician, played for amateur team Hayes in his spare time
Cyrille Regis, born in Maripasoula, French Guiana, moved to England in his youth, started work as an electrician, played for amateur team Hayes in his spare time and was spotted by Ronnie Allen, who encouraged him to join First Division club West Bromwich Albion in 1977 where he teamed up with fellow black players Laurie Cunningham and Brendon Batson to become 'The Three Degrees', in reference to the contemporary vocal trio of the same name. Cyrille was a muscular striker possessing devastating speed, control, a blistering shot and was especially strong when heading. He also established an unusual record by scoring on his debuts for Albion in five different competitions. Moving to Coventry City in 1984, he helped them win the FA Cup in 1987.
In 1991, he was transferred to City’s arch-rivals Aston Villa but he left at the end of the following season to sign for Wolverhampton Wanderers. His stay at Wolves lasted a single season before he joined Wycombe Wanderers. After one season with The Chairboys, he was on the move again, this time to Chester City Cyrille Regis played his last game in February 1996, aged 38, and retired from professional football nine months later, having never made a full recovery from an injury.
Cyrille was voted PFA Young Player of the Year in 1979 and won five England caps.
