A FORMER sports broadcaster from Bromsgrove has paid tribute to Midlands football icon Cyrille Regis, who tragically died of a heart attack earlier this week.

Regis, who was capped five times for England and was one of the stars of the West Bromwich Albion team between 1977 and 1984, died on Monday at the age of 59.

He was known for his physical presence, pace, and power, and blazed a trail for black footballers in Britain at a time of racial tension.

Former BBC Sport broadcaster Pat Murphy reported on Regis’ career during his time in the Midlands with Albion, Coventry City, Aston Villa and Wolverhampton.

He said on Twitter: “In all my decades of covering Midlands football, there has been no figure more admired or loved among we reporters than Cyrille Regis.

“He scored goals we dreamed of while lying in the bath, routed the racists, respected the fans - and smiled. Always.

“Only two months ago Cyrille Regis did a charity gig for me in a local pub, donated a round of golf with him - lunch thrown in - at his club.

“He was honest, humble, approachable, did endless selfies and just captivated the audience. An 18 carat hero.”