"Nice one Cyrille, nice one son": Brendon Batson pays tribute to great friend Cyrille
"Nice one Cyrille, nice one son." These are the poignant words of Cyrille Regis's former teammate and close friend Brendon Batson.
Batson, one third of the famous Three Degrees along with Cyrille and Laurie Cunningham, was speaking at Cyrille's memorial service this afternoon.
More from Cyrille's memorial service
Brendon told The Hawthorns: "Forty years ago this very month I met big Cyrille as we called him. We became teammates and firm friends. We all remember him scoring memorable goals here, but being a professional footballer of distinction does not define him alone. He was much more than that.
"Many of his teammates saw him grow into a dignified man we enjoyed being around. He knew his worth but remained humble, one of his many qualities.
"We played at a time when black players endured vile abuse but Cyrille never lost his cool, nor was he ever intimidated. It motivated him to play even better.
"How could anyone think they could intimidate the big man? You couldn't."
"Cyrille forged a very successful second career in football, he was passionate to mentor the young players in charge, he was well placed to do so considering his relatively late entry to football that gave him a story of commitment, dedication and commitment.
"We have a thriving former players association at West Brom and Cyrille was an active part. How appropriate that our box is called the Regis Suite. Here we are to say goodbye to him.
"My thoughts are with his family. His children still call me uncle, I keep telling them stop, it really ages me!
"Hopefully today will help in some small way to ease your pain but know that we will forever keep you in our thoughts, our prayers, and our hearts.
"We will never forget Cyrille. Whenever we think of him and that will be often, we'll also be thinking of you all. He left us with great memories and for that we are blessed to have known him.
"Nice one Cyrille, nice one son."
