Statue is fitting tribute to West Brom's Three Degrees

They were the three footballers who led the way for black players to enter the top flight of the English game and today plans for a statue to honour their exploits were unveiled.

Cyrille Regis, Brendon Batson and the late Laurie Cunningham, known as The Three Degrees, won fame and plaudits with their dazzling football in a West Bromwich Albion side managed by Ron Atkinson.

During the 1978/79 season the Baggies were the first club to field three black players and the young stars went on to have a phenomenal affect on the English game.

Ignoring the boos, racist chants and bananas thrown on the pitch, the stylish trio lit up English football with Cunningham a silky winger, Batson a reliable right back and centre forward Regis a wonder-goal scorer.

With their stylish expoits in an otherwise less cavalier era of football, Regis, Cunningham and Batson blazed a trail for black players.

In honour of those achievements, Black Country businessman Jim Cadman today announced plans to team up with Sandwell Council to create a statue.

Renowned sculptor Graham Ibbeson will create the monument in West Bromwich.

Former team-mate Tony 'Bomber' Brown also said it was a great idea to honour the trio with the statue, titled The Celebration.

"It was difficult for them at some grounds because of the abuse they received,'' said Albion's record goalscorer. ''But they answered in the best way possible by some fantastic performances on the pitch. They were just young lads but they handled it very well.

"They were all great fellas as well as great footballers and it is just a pity that Laurie is not with us any more. The idea of the statue is really nice and I am sure that many people will appreciate it."

Yorkshire-based sculptor Ibbeson has previously crafted many statues, including one of Les Dawson in Lytham St Annes.