Hard to put into words the loss of Cyrille Regis.
When I was at school, he was something of an icon to me, even though I was a City fan. I was one of a handful of non-white kids at a school of a thousand boys and he always seemed to be on the telly scoring fantastic goals.
I remember reading a match report at the time when Ron Atkinson said words to the effect that he'll be a lot better when he learns some game-craft. The writer said 'it's to be hoped that he never learns anything that would discourage his natural game'. He really did have the lot.
Cyrille was also part of the team that played in the Man United 3, WBA 5 match, surely one of the greatest league games ever seen. Like Batson, Cunningham and others, he took dogs’ abuse but he refused to be a victim even when they sent him a bullet through the post.
I wrote REGIS in chalk across the lapel of my blazer. I got some grief about my act of homage from some bully. 'What's he got to do with you?' he demanded. He used to pick on me a lot.
'You wear a badge that says DYLAN. He's got a lot in common with Stockport,' I retorted.
I got clobbered but it was worth it.
RIP big man.
