Coventry City Football Club is deeply shocked and saddened to learn of the death of former striker and FA Cup winning hero Cyrille Regis.
Regis passed away on Sunday at the age of 59, following a cardiac arrest.
Cyrille was a true Sky Blues legend, a strong, powerful striker and gentleman. He was still a regular visitor to the Ricoh Arena on matchdays, always humble and taking the time to speak to supporters.
Regis played 238 games for the Sky Blues and scored 47 times, in a career at Highfield Road from 1984 to 1991 after being signed by Bobby Gould from West Bromwich Albion.
Starting his career at The Baggies in 1977, he formed part of the ‘Three Degrees’ and was a trailblazer for black players in football at a time when racial tension still existed in society.
Moving to Highfield Road, Regis played a key part in last day survival First Division survival battles before excelling under the stewardship of John Sillett and George Curtis.
In the 1987 FA Cup run, Regis netted in the Third Round win at home to Bolton, as well as the Quarter Final win at Hillsborough against Sheffield Wednesday before spearheading the strike force in the final at Wembley, where Regis picked up a winners medal after the 3-2 win over Tottenham.
Regis’ form for the Sky Blues lead to a recall for England, earning his fifth international cap. Following the departure of Sillett in November 1990, Regis would leave the club in 1991.
He would go on to play for Aston Villa, Wolves, Wycombe and Chester, before hanging up his boots in 1997.
He was awarded a testimonial at Highfield Road in 1999, when the Sky Blues faced West Bromwich Albion, and honoured win an MBE in 2008.
Coventry City will be paying further tribute to Big Cyrille at this Saturday’s game against Swindon Town at the Ricoh Arena.