Cyrille Regis, the former West Brom and England forward, has died aged 59.
He scored 112 goals in 297 appearances for the Baggies before joining Coventry City for £250,000 in 1984.
He was a pioneer for black footballers in the game when he played alongside Laurie Cunningham and Brendon Batson at The Hawthorns.
His widow, Julia, described him on Monday as “a beautiful man and a wonderful husband, father, grandfather, brother and uncle.”
Regis, who was appointed an MBE in 2008, returned to West Brom as a coach before becoming a football agent.
In a tribute posted on West Brom’s website, Julia Regis continued: “Losing him has turned my whole world upside down. It is a void that will never be filled.
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“I have been moved by the many messages of support and condolences I have received and the kind things people have said about Cyrille as a person and a professional.”
Regis is survived by two children Robert and Michelle and three grandchildren Jayda, Renée and Riley.
“He came into football the hard way and never lost his passion for the game. He was a role model for so many because he always treated everyone he met with kindness and respect.”
The trio of Regis, Cunningham and Batson, nicknamed the Three Degrees by their then-manager Ron Atkinson, were subject to racist abuse from fans during the late 1970s.
They are due to be honoured with a 10ft statue, called The Celebration, in West Bromwich. It is set to be unveiled this season, following a delay.
At a preview of the structure in 2013, Regis said: “We were part of that first generation of black players in this country and I’m sure that if you ask any second generation player they will tell you they were inspired by Laurie. That’s why the statue will be so important.”
Cunningham died in a car crash in Spain in 1989.
Regis, who won five caps for England, scored 62 goals in 274 appearances for Coventry and was a crucial part of their FA Cup-winning side in 1987. He retired from football in October 1996.
Heavy heart this morning, just heard that Cyrille Regis has passed away age 59. He was more than just a footballer, he blazed a trail for every black player who followed him, an inspiration to myself and many players of my era. A humble man and a great man.#RIPC
— Brighty (@Mark__Bright) January 15, 2018
Devastated this morning my hero my pioneer the man behind the reason I wanted to play football has passed away ???? my heart goes out to all his family RIP Cyrille Regis pic.twitter.com/145idFZopb
— Andrew Cole (@vancole9) January 15, 2018
What a man. What a centre-forward! One of my earliest football memories was walking into WBA for a trial as a 13 year old kid, seeing Cyrille Regis and being in awe of him. RIP big man ????
— Alan Shearer (@alanshearer) January 15, 2018
Saddened to hear that Cyrille Regis has passed away. A tremendous striker and fine man whose legacy goes beyond the game, helping to pave a way for black footballers in this country. #RIPCyrille
— Gary Lineker (@GaryLineker) January 15, 2018
RIP Cyril Regis.
A great man. Helped set the foundations for others. Always remembered.— Rio Ferdinand (@rioferdy5) January 15, 2018
Another icon has left us. Can't believe it. Absolutely devastated as he was an unbelievable role model and became a good friend. Deepest condolences to all family and friends of a proper legend Cyrille Regis. You'll be missed my friend. #RIP
— Ian Taylor (@IanTaylor7) January 15, 2018
Rest In Peace Cyrille Regis… Absolute Icon of the game a true gentleman.
— STEVEN REID (@stevenreid12) January 15, 2018
We’re deeply saddened to hear the news of Cyrille Regis’s passing at the age of 59.
He won five caps for the #ThreeLions, between 1982 and 1987.
Rest in peace, Cyrille. pic.twitter.com/IZwefnNJqh
— England (@England) January 15, 2018
Devastated,Sad,Gutted and totally Shocked by the news that Cyrille Regis has died.
He was my ALL TIME footballing hero and idol…… and the main reason why I wanted to be a Centre Forward,just like him! #LEGENDI’m gonna miss you my FRIEND!
RIP Big C pic.twitter.com/9VBJ9EcDGs
— Dion Dublin (@DionDublinsDube) January 15, 2018
