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Clyde Best: Football pioneer
Published
7:39 AM EST, Fri February 24, 2012
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One of the first —
Clyde Best made his West Ham United debut in 1968, and the striker became one of the first black players to establish himself as a first-team regular in England's top division.
Goal-getter —
In total, Best scored 47 goals in 186 goals for the London club. He went on to play for several U.S. teams in addition to a spell with Dutch side Feyernoord.
Grown under Greenwood —
Manager Ron Greenwood brought Best from Bermuda to West Ham. After 13 years at the club, Greenwood spent five years in charge of the England national team and selected black players such as Viv Anderson and Laurie Cunningham.
Breaking new ground —
Greenwood was in charge of West Ham at a time when a number of black players featured in the first team. The first was fullback John Charles in 1962, who was followed his brother Clive, Best and Nigerian striker Ade Coker -- pictured here -- who represented the U.S. at international level.
The 'Beautiful Game' —
Football has become a way for people of all nationalities and ethnic backgrounds to come together, on the pitch and in the stands.