ALBION can confirm that The Hawthorns will stage a service to celebrate the life of Cyrille Regis immediately after his funeral later this month.
Cyrille’s funeral will go ahead on Tuesday, January 30 in a private family service.
This will be followed by the opportunity for Cyrille’s wider circle of admirers, from football and beyond, to join the family at the stadium he always considered home for a celebration of his life and career.
This will be staged in the East Stand, looking out to the pitch which graced his thrilling talents, and be conducted by Pastor David Carr from the church Cyrille attended, the Renewal Christian Centre in Solihull.
This open-air service is scheduled to commence at 11am.
There will be seats available to supporters and the general public who wish to pay their respects to one of the Baggies' all-time greats and the Club will announce details next week of how fans can attend.
Otherwise, supporters will have a chance to say their farewells earlier in the day as Cyrille’s funeral cortege will leave The Hawthorns at 8.45am. The Club are making plans to accommodate those fans who wish to salute Cyrille at that time before the cortege leaves for the private family service.
Cyrille worked as an agent with the Stellar Group after his playing career ended and as part of their support for the family they are helping to track down some of the footballing greats from his era as well as his work as an agent.
Stellar Group Chairman Jonathan Barnett said: “Cyrille gave so much to football and did so much outside the game for so many - this is our chance to say thank you. While we are still in shock and sadness at his loss it will be wonderful to celebrate his life and achievements in this way.”
Former colleagues, contemporaries and friends who wish to attend the celebration service should contact rob.doyle@stellargroup.co.uk.
Albion can also confirm that the impromptu “shrine” at the Astle Gates will remain in place until after the next Premier League home game, against Southampton, for which the Club is planning a major salute to its former England striker. The tributes will then be gathered and presented to the family.
In a further mark of respect to Cyrille, the stadium flags will remain at half-mast until after after his funeral.
Julia and Cyrille’s children Robert and Michelle have once again asked us to convey the family’s huge appreciation for the messages of love and support which continue to flood in from Albion fans and the wider football community.
We will announce further details of arrangements as soon as they are available.