Nicky Summerbee
Hailing from a family of football legends, it is no surprise that Nicky became a professional footballer. His father, Mike; Grandfather, George; and Great Uncle, Gordon, all played professional football and Nicky followed in their footsteps when making his debut for Swindon Town at the age of 18.
Following 112 appearances for Swindon between 1989 and 1994, Summerbee joined Manchester City where he played over 130 games for The Blues.
After his spell at Maine Road, Summerbee moved to Sunderland where he helped the club gain promotion to the Premier League in his first season, where the stats proved he was a better crosser of the ball than David Beckham with an accuracy of 36% compared to Beck’s 27%! Summerbee remained at the Stadium of Light until 2001 before going on to play for Bolton, Nottingham Forest, Leicester City and Bradford before retiring in 2006.
Since finishing on the pitch, Nicky has undertaken various work in the media, including Sky Sports News and presenting Masters Football on Sky Sports 1. Also commentating and interviewing for Talk Sport and Five Live, Nicky is a well recognised and respected former professional. He has also appeared in a ‘celebrity cook-off’ the Five Star Scanner Appeal evening at Panacea restaurant in Alderley Edge and make a great guest at just about any occasion.
To enquire about Nicky’s availability and booking him, please contact us.
Cyrille Regis
Cyrille Regis is without doubt, both a football legend and role model to many. Spotted playing Sunday League football on Regent’s Park, London, in 1975 by amateur side, Moseley where he scored 25 goals in just one season before moving to Hayes FC in 1976. It was during his time at Hayes that he came to attention of former West Bromwich Albion centre-forward, Ronnie Allen, who was a scout but about to become West Brom manager. When Allen took over at the Hawthornes, he paid the £5,000 transfer fee for Regis out of his own pocket and his faith in Regis was soon repaid.
By 1977, Regis had made the amazing leap from non-league football to the English First Division and scored a number of great goals during his first season in the top flight. He was voted PFA Young Player of the Year in 1978 and when Ron Atkinson replaced Allen as West Brom boss, Regis – alongside team mates, Laurie Cunningham and Brendon Batson, were clumsily nicknamed ‘The Three Degrees’ – as they were the first three black British footballers playing in England’s top division.
Great on the pitch but abused by racist cowards in the crowds, Regis Cunningham and Batson made a huge positive impact on British football and fast became role models for young black footballers.
Career
Total Professional Appearances: 608 – 159 goals
Teams Played for: West Brom, Coventry, Aston Villa, Wolves, Wycombe Wanderers, Chester City
England Caps: 5
Trophies: FA Cup winner, 1987
After retiring from the game as a player, Regis coached at West Brom before becoming an agent and continues to do a great deal of charity work. He received an MBE in 2008.
If you’re interested in enquiring about Cyrille’s availability to appear at your event, please contact us.
