Clyde Best Interviewed By Talksport In UK
Clyde Best has been interviewed by Talksport, a British sports radio station, ahead of the world premiere of his documentary, Transforming the Beautiful Game: The Clyde Best Story.
Best, 75, has travelled to London to promote the film and spoke to radio hosts Paul Hawksbee and Andy Jacobs about his experiences playing for West Ham United in the 1960s and 70s.
Produced by Dan Egan, a longtime friend of Best, the documentary features interviews with Black footballers including Ian Wright, Les Ferdinand and Viv Anderson, who were influenced by his impact.
“It was a tough time to be a [Black player], so you had to be a tough individual,” Best told Talksport.
“I had no concerns heading to England from Bermuda – I just wanted to be a professional footballer.
“I just tried to go about my job the best possible way I could.
“I couldn’t wait to suit up, put my boots on and get ready to play.”
The former striker scored 47 goals for West Ham in the top flight between 1968 and 1976, playing alongside England World Cup winners Bobby Moore, Sir Geoff Hurst and Martin Peters.
“I wanted the opportunity to go and play with three of the best players in the world at the time – Bobby [Moore], Geoff [Hurst] and Martin [Peters],” Best said.
“Not many 17-year-old kids get that opportunity.
“It was a dream come true as a young person to have watched these three on television. I was in Seventh Heaven.”
When he left Bermuda for England in 1968, Best — widely recognised as a trailblazing Black figure in English football — carried advice from his father, a naval officer who later served as deputy commissioner in Bermuda’s prison service.
“My dad always told me, ‘Clyde, when you go to England, you’re not playing for yourself, you’re playing for the Black players coming after you,’” he said.
“I couldn’t be at a better club than West Ham, who had [Black players] Clive Charles and Ade Coker. I’m glad I made the choice to join West Ham.”
Speaking on racism that still exists in the game, Best added: “It’s a shame that [Black] players are still going through this sort of stuff. Plus, today you have the social media [abuse].
“I advise the players just to keep doing what you’re doing – you have a job to do. Go out and perform and put the abuse to the back of your mind. I know it’s tough but at least try.”
Best will attend the world premiere at Sadler’s Wells East in Stratford, London, from tomorrow [March 25] to 28.
Following the UK showings, the documentary will screen in Bermuda from April 21 to 26 before embarking on a United States tour in May and June.
