He may played for nearly 20 years in England's top flight, appeared five times for England, and won an FA Cup with Coventry City, yet, the untimely passing of Cyrille Regis (59) has aroused enormous sympathy for a man who "helped to pave a way for black footballers" in England.
Former Manchester United forward Andy Cole summed up succinctly a feeling that was shared amongst many of his peers this morning.
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
"The man behind the reason I wanted to play football", Cole, 13 years Regis' junior, grew up at a time when the prevalence of racism in English football was fierce.
Only the third black player to appear in the England jersey after Viv Anderson and Laurie Cunningham. That Regis' international debut came only a few years after Anderson made the initial breakthrough, his importance to the desegregation of the national side has not been overestimated or overlooked.
Cole is by no means alone in celebrating the importance of Regis for black footballers that emerged in his wake.
Hard to believe I’m waking up to hear Cyrille Regis, the man who started the dream for me and many others has died of a heart attack. Genuine honour to have played on the same pitch as him . RIP Big Cyrille Regis.
— Brian Deane (@deanobri1968) 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! #LEGEND
I’m gonna miss you my FRIEND!
RIP Big C pic.twitter.com/9VBJ9EcDGs— Dion Dublin (@DionDublinsDube) 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
Just heard the news a legend Cyrille Regis has died! I am stunned! Rest in Power Big C 🙏🏿😭
— Kevin Campbell (@1kevincampbell) 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
A "hero", "icon" and "legend" who "started the dream" for many young footballers, Regis' courage in the face of racial adversity has scarcely been forgotten.
Awarded an MBE in 2008 and voted West Bromwich Albion's all-time cult hero, as well as the crucial work he did in aid of normalising the presence of black footballers in English football or an English jersey, many figures from the world of football, past and present, have been keen to commend his incredible talents as a footballer also.
Gutted to hear the news that Cyrille Regis has died. Great player & most of all a gentleman, had the pleasure of his company on many occasions in recent years & I will always be grateful to him for helping with our charity golf tournament in Tenerife. He certainly will be missed
— Chris Kamara (@chris_kammy) January 15, 2018
Absolutely gutted to hear the news about Cyrille Regis. An amazing player who helped pave the way for black players. A proper top man who always had time for you and gave great advice. Will be sadly missed. Thoughts are with his family and friends. RIP 🙏🏽
— Matt Murray (@MattMurray20) January 15, 2018
Shocked to hear the passing of Cyrille Regis.. one of a kind powerful, quick,strong a gentleman my thoughts are with Cyrille's family and close friends. RIP
— John Hartson (@JohnHartson10) January 15, 2018
Had the privilege of playing with Cyrille Regis at my short stint at Aston Villa, proper gentleman who loved the game. I’m a better person for meeting him RIP Buddy
— Frank McAvennie (@MaccaFrank) January 15, 2018
Sad to hear this morning of the Death of former footballer Cyrille Regis
R.I.P— Mick Quinn (@mickquinn1089) January 15, 2018
Can’t believe I wake up to find Very sad news about my former @Coventry_City strike partner. RIP Cyrille Regis,(big C)
Never forget how his physical presence helped me score so many goals and settle into English football. #legend— Kevin Gallacher💙💛 (@kevingallacher8) 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 of the passing of Cyrille Regis. Sleep well big man💙
— Jonas Olsson (@J_OlssonViasat) January 15, 2018
Absolutely gutted to hear the news about Cyrille Regis. An amazing player who helped pave the way for black players. A proper top man who always had time for you and gave great advice. Will be sadly missed. Thoughts are with his family and friends. RIP 🙏🏽
— Matt Murray (@MattMurray20) January 15, 2018
Remember writing a column with Alan Hansen and the subject of Cyrille Regis came up and he said: "I'm breaking out in a sweat just thinking about playing against him."
— Phil McNulty (@philmcnulty) January 15, 2018
Keeping this in mind, the BBC drew from their archive just a snippet of his footballing ability in this video from his West Brom days.
Cyrille Regis making football look very easy indeed in 1981 pic.twitter.com/JgW9mlN2Sj
— BBC Archive (@BBCArchive) January 15, 2018
