Tribute night announced for Baggies star Laurie Cunningham

He was a shining star on the hallowed turf of The Hawthorns remembered for his trailblazing role as part of The Three Degrees.

Today marks the 25th anniversary of the death of Baggies legend Laurie Cunningham, who was killed aged just 33 in a Madrid car crash.

But his legacy lives on with the announcement today of a sporting dinner in his honour helping to fund a lasting tribute.

Plans are forging ahead for the creation of the Celebration Statue depicting Cunningham and fellow stars Cyrille Regis and Brendon Batson.

Today, Regis paid an emotional tribute to his former teammate, saying not a day goes by without thinking about his old friend. Regis and Cunningham were brothers in arms on and off the pitch as they forged landmark careers in an iconic Baggies team which helped break down racist bigotry in Britain during the late 1970s, and became known affectionately by Albion fans as The Three Degrees.

Cunningham met his death at the age of 33 in a car accident in Spain where the former winger had settled following his move to Real Madrid in 1979. "He is always on my mind," said Regis today. "Especially at the moment, with so much being recalled on the anniversary of his death.

"Wherever I go, he is a man and a footballer people want to talk about and I am happy to do so. He is never far from me.

"We often need a passage of time to get a proper perspective on events which is why I didn't write my own book about all this until much later. You need to look back with clarity.

"That was a horrible time in football. I can't imagine what it was like for the first generation of immigrants coming into the country. There was a black player before my time called Clyde Best, who played for West Ham in the early 1970s, and I hate to think what he must have gone through.

"But Laurie's greatest legacy was the inspiration he provided to the players who were a few years behind us. Players such as John Barnes and Ian Wright. Because he was an attacking, exciting footballer, he captured their imaginations like no other. That's his greatest legacy. They still talk about him with wonder even now."

He made more than 80 appearances for the Baggies and won six England caps.

Some of Laurie Cunningham's greatest moments. From YouTube user holmleighnyd

[video]

West Bromwich Albion also today released an official tribute:

[youtube][/youtube]

During his career he won the Spanish league with Real Madrid and also won the FA Cup while at Wimbledon.

What are your memories of Laurie Cunningham? Share them with our readers in the comments below.

Organisers had originally hoped for the £220,000 statue to be unveiled in time for the anniversary today.

Supporters have so far helped raise £145,000 but organisers hope more fundraising projects will push them past their total by Christmas.

With cash in place, Black Country businessman Jim Cadman, who established the project, hopes the 10ft bronze statue of the trio celebrating will instead be unveiled next spring.

To help raise cash football greats and dignitaries will come together for the tribute dinner held at Birmingham's International Convention Centre on November 10.

"We would have liked to have the statue ready for the anniversary but we have still raised a lot of money so far," said Mr Cadman.

"We really need people to come out and support it now. We need a good push on fundraising. It is about time there was something to recognise what these players did."

Invitations have already been sent out for some of the greatest names in football to attend including team mates from Real Madrid and Manchester United where Cunningham also played.

But Mr Cadman today said that he wanted supporters to be part of the event too - and has asked them to suggest names they would like to see appear on the night.

"This is an event for supporters to come together to join us and celebrate the life of Laurie Cunningham," he said.

"We want them to be part of the night and suggest us any people they would like to see on the guestlist

"If supporters can let me know the name of any former footballer or celebrity connected with Albion or in fact any other club, who they think had an influence on Laurie's life we will invite those players to join us at the dinner.

"We hope is will be the greatest gathering of Albion players and a massive night."

Tables for ten people will be £900 with single tickets at £95.

For further information call Jim Cadman on 01562 887323 or email jwc@corstone.co.uk