Video: Ironcast Interview With Clyde Best
Clyde Best joined the West Ham United podcast Iron Cast ahead of the release of his documentary Transforming the Beautiful Game: The Clyde Best Story, reflecting on his trailblazing career and lasting impact at West Ham United.
A spokesperson said, “Hammers legend Clyde Best MBE joined the official West Ham United podcast, Iron Cast.
“Ahead of the release of a new film documenting his life, ‘Transforming the Beautiful Game: The Clyde Best Story’, at the end of March, the trailblazing centre-forward sat down with hosts Chris Scull and Carlton Cole at London Stadium.
“It is nearly 60 years since Best travelled to east London from his home on the island of Bermuda in the North Atlantic Ocean at the age of just 17, having been recommended by Bermuda coach Graham Adams to his friend, West Ham manager Ron Greenwood.
“After famously heading to the wrong Underground station before being welcomed into the home of his new teammates John and Clive Charles, Best made his debut at 18 in August 1969.
“Over the next seven years, Best would play 218 games and score 58 goals for the Hammers.
“In 1970, he and his idol Pelé each scored two goals when West Ham drew 2-2 with Brazilian club Santos in a challenge match played in New York City.
“Then, in 1972, he, Clive Charles and Ade Coker all started against Crystal Palace, becoming the first trio of Black teammates to feature for the same First Division team.
“What made Best’s achievements even greater was that he was one of the first Black players to become a star in England’s First Division, and he overcame racial abuse and violent threats to do so.
“Best was hugely popular among his teammates, including his boyhood heroes Bobby Moore, Geoff Hurst and Martin Peters, along with Billy Bonds and Harry Redknapp, and a hero to the Claret and Blue Army, who admired both his character and style of play.
“At the same time, racism was all too common, and Best received abuse from the terraces and in the post. Despite the horrific discrimination, he remained calm and composed, and continued to play the game he loved.
“After a spell in the Netherlands with Feyenoord in 1977-78, Best moved to the United States, where he played both outdoor soccer in the NASL for Tampa Bay Rowdies, Portland Timbers and Toronto Blizzard, and indoors for the Rowdies, Timbers, Cleveland Force and Los Angeles Lazers.
“Having stopped playing in 1984, Best spent time coaching before returning home to Bermuda, where he coached the national team from 1997-99.
“He was made an MBE for services to football and the community in Bermuda, and continues to play a role in football in his homeland – and continues to support West Ham United.
“Six decades after following his dream, Clyde Best was back in East London to reflect on an amazing life and career.
“Watch Iron Cast now by clicking on the video player above or by watching it on our official YouTube channel.
“Transforming the Beautiful Game: The Clyde Best Story tells the incredible story of the Bermudan centre-forward, who became one of the first Black football heroes in English football during eight years with the Hammers between 1968-76.
“Directed by award-winning filmmaker Dan Egan, the documentary traces Best’s journey from Bermuda to English football’s top flight, where he rose to prominence with West Ham United. Facing open racism while performing at the highest level of the game, Best not only broke barriers but excelled, scoring 58 goals in 218 appearances and becoming a symbol of resilience, excellence, and change.
“Featuring newly uncovered archival footage and exclusive interviews, the film includes appearances by Harry Redknapp, Kasey Keller, Les Ferdinand, Viv Anderson, and Ian Wright, among others. Together, they reflect on Best’s impact across generations and continents, and on football’s ongoing journey toward greater inclusion and equity.
“The film will premiere at Sadler’s Wells East, located at East Bank, the city’s newest cultural quarter at the heart of Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, on Wednesday 25 March 2026, kicking off a one-week run of screenings.
“Three further screenings will be held at Sadler’s Wells East on 26, 27 and 28 March at 7.30pm, followed by two encore screenings at the Lumiere Cinema on Romford on Sunday 29 March 29 at 2pm and 7pm.
“All screenings will be accompanied by a post-film talk led by narrator Tony D. Head, Clyde Best, fellow former Hammer and friend Ade Coker, and other key contributors from the film.
“Tickets are on sale now at Sadler’s Wells or through the Clyde Best Story website.”
