Clyde Best facts for kids
Best at West Ham United's Boleyn Ground, in August 2012
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| Personal information | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Full name | Clyde Cyril Best MBE | ||
| Date of birth | 24 February 1951 | ||
| Place of birth | Somerset, Bermuda | ||
| Playing position | Striker | ||
| Youth career | |||
| Somerset Trojans | |||
| Senior career* | |||
| Years | Team | Apps† | (Gls)† |
| 1968–1976 | West Ham United | 186 | (47) |
| 1975 | → Tampa Bay Rowdies (loan) | 19 | (6) |
| 1976 | Tampa Bay Rowdies (indoor) | 4 | (7) |
| 1976 | Tampa Bay Rowdies | 19 | (9) |
| 1977–1981 | Portland Timbers | 118 | (38) |
| 1977–1978 | Feyenoord | 23 | (3) |
| 1979–1980 | Cleveland Force (indoor) | 30 | (33) |
| 1980–1981 | Portland Timbers (indoor) | 6 | (2) |
| 1981–1982 | Toronto Blizzard | 22 | (2) |
| 1981–1982 | Toronto Blizzard (indoor) | 18 | (3) |
| 1982–1984 | Los Angeles Lazers (indoor) | 90 | (29) |
| Total | 535 | (179) | |
| National team | |||
| 1968 | Bermuda | 2 | (1) |
| Teams managed | |||
| 1997–1999 | Bermuda | ||
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Clyde Cyril Best (born February 24, 1951) is a famous former football player from Bermuda. He made history as one of the very first black players in England's top football league, the First Division. As a powerful striker, he scored 47 goals for West Ham United between 1968 and 1976.
Contents
Early Life and Challenges
Clyde Best moved from his home in Bermuda to England when he was just 17 years old. He joined the West Ham United team. When he first arrived, the club captain, Bobby Moore, helped him settle in. Clyde has often said that Bobby Moore, along with other West Ham players like Harry Redknapp and Billy Bonds, helped him deal with the unfair treatment he sometimes faced because of his race.
Clyde Best's Playing Career
As one of the first black footballers in England, Clyde Best faced many tough challenges. Some fans would shout unkind things from the stands. But Clyde was a strong and talented player, and he soon became a favorite at Upton Park, West Ham's stadium.
Playing Style and West Ham Debut
Clyde was known for being a strong and powerful player. He was hard to stop when he had the ball and was very good at heading the ball in the air. He played like a traditional English centre forward. His first game for West Ham United was on August 25, 1969. It was a 1–1 draw against Arsenal at home. Clyde was only 18 years old. His first goal for West Ham came shortly after, on September 3, 1969, in a League Cup game against Halifax Town, which West Ham won 4–2.
Time at West Ham United
Clyde Best played for West Ham United for seven seasons, from August 1969 to January 1976. During this time, he played 218 games and scored 58 goals. He was a very important part of the team.
Playing Abroad: Netherlands and North America
After his time at West Ham, Clyde also played football in other countries. He played in the Dutch league, called the Eredivisie, for a team named Feyenoord. He then moved to North America, where he played for teams in the North American Soccer League (NASL). These teams included Tampa Bay Rowdies, Toronto Blizzard, and Portland Timbers.
NASL Achievements
While playing for the Tampa Bay Rowdies in the Soccer Bowl '75, Clyde scored a goal in the 88th minute. This goal helped the Rowdies win their first NASL championship with a 2–0 victory over the Portland Timbers. The next spring, he led the Rowdies to win the 1976 indoor title. He was even named the Most Valuable Player (MVP) of that tournament! He was the top scorer for the Rowdies during the short 1976 indoor season, scoring 11 goals and making 5 assists.
Clyde Best's Coaching Career
After his playing days, Clyde Best became a coach. In the early 1990s, he was an assistant coach for the San Diego Sockers. Later, from 1997 to 1999, he coached the Bermuda national team.
Later Life and Recognition
After his coaching career, Clyde Best moved back to his home country of Bermuda. He has received special honors for his contributions to football and his community.
Honours and Awards
In 2004, Clyde Best was honored by being added to the Bermuda National Sports Hall of Fame. This is a special place for athletes who have achieved great things. In 2006, he was given an MBE award. This award recognized his important work in football and his positive impact on the community in Bermuda.
