RIP Cyrille Regis

[NeilH]

There really are few footballers that transcend the rivalry of West Midlands football and are loved by all set of fans. A truly wonderful player and a member of a West Brom team that I had a huge amount of grudging respect for.

[Dave]

Really sad. I've met him and his wife a few times as they are good friends with my wife's family.

His wife is an extremely charming lady - very sorry for her

[Brend'Watkins]

"The cherry, on the icing, on the cake (1:36)"  RIP Cyrille.

Spurs 18th in the table and Cambridge and Southend above Wolves in the second tier!

Both Blues and Albion in the 3rd division.

[IAmTheOneIanOlney]

What terrible news. Great, iconic player and seemed to be a lovely man. Used to see him in the King Arthur pub in Walsall when I first started sneaking into pubs, would have been around the time he left Villa for Wolves. He was always so friendly to anyone who'd come and approach him, even blatantly underage spotty Herberts.

He seemed indestructible, such a huge presence.

[Chico Hamilton III]

He seemed indestructible

Brendan Batson was the chairman of the boys' team I played for in the late 70s and he invited us all to the Albion's training ground at half term to meet the team. This was Big Ron's classic Albion team of Regis, Cunningham ( both dead now, Jesus...), Robson, Batson etc. They had all just finished training and Regis was walking around without his shirt on - I've never seen a body like it, massive muscles, looked like a Greek/Roman statue. Incredible.

And a top fella, signed all our autographs and answered all our stupid questions

[OzVilla]

Awful news, terrific centre forward, pace, power, good in the air, great finisher what would he have been worth in today's market. Loved seeing him in Villa's colours. Just dreadful, we've had a very sad last 18 months.

[pbavfckuwait]

RIP Cyrille and the thoughts go to your family, a true giant and gentleman.

[Bad English]

That is awful news. :-(

[ironmaidenmania]

Such sad news. Tells you how much he was respected locally. Had free tickets to the Baggies when they played Coventry. Big Cyrille was playing for them, scored a hat-trick in a 5-2 thumping and got a standing ovation from everyone. A true pioneer.

[auntiesledd]

'Absolutely dreadful news about Big Cyril. I was fortunate enough to witness him in his pomp - and my word, he was one helluva centre forward. My condolences to those he now sadly leaves behind.

[PaulWinch again]

Very sad news, RIP.

[Rudy Can't Fail]

Can't think of another player in my lifetime who was so widely respected by West Midlands fans. What a force!

God bless him

This, all day long. Cracking player for the Albion and did us proud in his short spell at Villa Park. Above all, a great man on so many levels.

RIP Big Man. You'll be missed.

[villa `cross the mersey]

I was totally shocked when I heard the news  this morning ..... I echo everything said about the guy - the level of abuse he and other black footballers took was an absolute disgrace, but he rose above it and let his football do the talking - I will always remember his superb goal for the Baggies up at Old Trafford - RIP Cyrille- you will be missed by many

It has been an awful 48hrs ...... I knew the girl (Cassie) who was murdered in the TUI shop in Southport on Saturday - that really knocked me sick

[IFWaters]

Just a great talent and a gentleman. Cannot believe his loss at 59.

[Clampy]

Awful news. An icon of midlands football gone too soon.