15-01-2018, 21:12
I'm not ashamed to say I've shed a few tears today, from hearing the news on the way to work I still don't think it's sunk in that Big Cyrille has gone. I've spent time on here reading your great memories and stories, I've had the radio on listening to all the footage culminating in the WM phone in where former players and genuine supporters from all clubs have paid tribute.
I was lucky enough to be a 15 year old at the ground with my Dad when Cyrille made his debut against Rotherham and scored twice and in an instant we had a new hero. I saw his first match for us, his last match and most of those in between as I had a season ticket & went home & away for the next 7 or 8 years.
He had such an effect on me as a spotty teenager to see this bloke built like a heavyweight boxer exploding with pace, brushing aside defenders, out jumping them and unleashing rocket like shots. He was my Roy of the Rovers, and no matter what my Villa and Blues mates could say about the Baggies they couldn't deny that we had a diamond in Cyrille
As I got older I used to go to a place called the Europa Lodge Hotel which was just off the motorway island for a drink before and after the matches and amongst the many players there was Cyrille, who would always shake your hand, sign an autograph or just have a chat about the upcoming game or how they'd played, can you imagine sitting in a pub, where the players went as well.
He had so much time and respect for everyone, which carried on when he finished playing, I've met him twice since and not for a minute did he remember me but he did genuinely remember chatting with supporters in the pub and how much he enjoyed being able to mix sociably with fans.
Cyrille RIP big fella - you had a profound effect on my love of the Albion, sheer class on the pitch and sheer class off it as well - Thank you, off to dry my eyes again
I was lucky enough to be a 15 year old at the ground with my Dad when Cyrille made his debut against Rotherham and scored twice and in an instant we had a new hero. I saw his first match for us, his last match and most of those in between as I had a season ticket & went home & away for the next 7 or 8 years.
He had such an effect on me as a spotty teenager to see this bloke built like a heavyweight boxer exploding with pace, brushing aside defenders, out jumping them and unleashing rocket like shots. He was my Roy of the Rovers, and no matter what my Villa and Blues mates could say about the Baggies they couldn't deny that we had a diamond in Cyrille
As I got older I used to go to a place called the Europa Lodge Hotel which was just off the motorway island for a drink before and after the matches and amongst the many players there was Cyrille, who would always shake your hand, sign an autograph or just have a chat about the upcoming game or how they'd played, can you imagine sitting in a pub, where the players went as well.
He had so much time and respect for everyone, which carried on when he finished playing, I've met him twice since and not for a minute did he remember me but he did genuinely remember chatting with supporters in the pub and how much he enjoyed being able to mix sociably with fans.
Cyrille RIP big fella - you had a profound effect on my love of the Albion, sheer class on the pitch and sheer class off it as well - Thank you, off to dry my eyes again