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BFW Exclusive: An interview with former West Ham United star Clyde Best
TL;DR
Clyde Best, a former West Ham United star, broke barriers as one of the first black players in the English top flight. He recently attended the premiere of the film *Transforming the Beautiful Game â The Clyde Best Story* in Bermuda, highlighting his journey of overcoming adversity.
Key points
- Clyde Best was one of the first black players in the English top flight
- He faced significant racism during his career
- Best's story is featured in the film *Transforming the Beautiful Game*
- He earned a trial with West Ham United at 17 years old
- Best's journey opened doors for future players like Ian Wright
Mentioned in this story
Clyde BestWest Ham UnitedIan WrightBermuda
Transforming the Beautiful GameEnglish League Division One
English League Division One match at Upton Park. West Ham United 5 v Leicester City 2. West Ham's Clyde Best gets in a shot at goal watched by Leicester's John Sjoberg, 19th August 1972. (Photo by Mirror Group Newspapers/Mirrorpix/Getty Images) | Getty Images
BFWâs very own Jack Laushway attended the premiere of the film Transforming the Beautiful Game â The Clyde Best Story this past weekend in Bermuda. Clyde Best was a revolutionary football star who broke barriers as one of the first black players to play in the English top flight. Bestâs story is one of adversity, hope, and humanity. After watching the film, I was fortunate to sit down with Best at the event for a BFW exclusive interview.
Bestâs story starts off with an almost unthinkable achievement which was earning a trial in London for West Ham United at just 17-years-old. Coming from the small island of Bermuda to the busy city of London all on his own is truly remarkable. âIt seemed so far away in those days. Getting to West Ham was a new beginning, and it was something I wanted to do. It was a great feeling. I wasnât scared or frightened. You canât be frightened as a player,â said Best.
Sadly, Best endured frequent racism while playing in England. Having to block out the noise became crucial for him, but the work Best did opened the path for all the players who came after such as Ian Wright, who features in the documentary.
Despite all the trailblazing Best did during his career, the significance of his achievement didnât set in until he actually hung up his boots for good. âAt the time, I didnât. I was just interested in playing football. It didnât make no difference to me. I was just glad to go out there and play with professional footballers,â said Best.
One of the most memorable moments of the film was when Best recalled the time he played against the great Pelé. Not only did Best feature against the legendary Brazilian footballer, he actually scored two goals in that match, proving as a capable opponent.
Q&A
What challenges did Clyde Best face as a black player in England?
Clyde Best faced frequent racism while playing in England, which he had to learn to block out to succeed.
What is the significance of Clyde Best's story in football history?
Clyde Best's story is significant as he was one of the first black players in the English top flight, paving the way for future generations of players.
What is the film *Transforming the Beautiful Game â The Clyde Best Story* about?
The film chronicles Clyde Best's journey, highlighting his achievements and the challenges he faced as a pioneering black footballer.
How did Clyde Best's early career begin with West Ham United?
Clyde Best earned a trial with West Ham United at just 17 years old, making a remarkable transition from Bermuda to London.
