Clyde Best Reflects On Journey To West Ham
Clyde Best has recalled leaving Bermuda at 17 years old to pursue a trial with West Ham United in England, carrying his father’s advice that he was playing not only for himself but for those who would follow.
When he set out from Bermuda for England in 1968, Best — recognised as a trailblazing Black figure in English football — carried advice from his father, a naval officer who would go on to serve as deputy commissioner in Bermuda’s prison service.
Best was recently interviewed for a story in English newspaper The Guardian.
“My dad told me, ‘When you go to England, you’re not playing for yourself, you’re playing for those coming after you,” Best said.
Photo courtesy of Andy Hall/The Guardian
“I always knew that I had some responsibility, and I had to carry myself in a certain way and behave myself in a certain way. I’m not going to do anything stupid and mess it up.
“If you listen to what your parents tell you, nine times out of ten you’re not going to have problems.”
Best, 75, has travelled to London to promote a new film, Transforming the Beautiful Game: The Clyde Best Story.
Produced by Dan Egan, an old friend of Best, it features interviews with Black footballers who were heavily influenced by Best’s impact.
Among those hailing Best’s legacy are Ian Wright, who said he wore the No 8 shirt at Arsenal as a tribute to Best, and Viv Anderson, the former England defender, who remembers being in awe of Best as a youngster.
Best also reflects on growing up in Bermuda, where he honed his talent.
“I’m not a person that would go out and boast,” Best said.
Best started at Ireland Rangers and Somerset Trojans, playing matches against British sailors on the island.
Read the full story here on the Guardian website.
