Clyde Best
FOOTBALL
Achievements:
English First Division Player: West Ham United (1968-1976)
NASL Titles: 1975, 1976
NASL MVP: 1976
Professional Goals: 110 career goals, including 63 in NASL
Biography:
When Clyde Best left Bermuda for England, no one could predict the impact the 17-year-old would have on the world of football. Best became a trailblazer, paving the way for a generation of black footballers.
His local football journey began with Ireland Rangers, but after a disagreement over playing time, he moved to Somerset Trojans. Best recalled, "The coach and I had a row… I should have been playing but because I was always one of the younger guys I had to sit. I remember telling the coach that one day he's going to have to pay to watch me play. When he sees me now, he says 'you were right.'"
Growing up in Dockyard, Best frequently played against older men, including Navy personnel, which toughened him up early on. This resilience and work ethic caught the attention of scouts overseas, leading to his signing with West Ham United, a team featuring several stars from England's 1966 World Cup-winning squad.
At West Ham, Best became the only black player regularly appearing in the English First Division, facing racial abuse with grace and dignity. His way of silencing the racists was through his performance on the field, scoring 47 goals during his English career. Best's gentlemanly conduct and skill paved the way for future generations of black footballers.
Best scored his first goal in his second game for West Ham and quickly became known for his ability to dominate defenders. "I felt when I was on, I was definitely impossible to stop because of the different attributes I had. I liked going to the United's and the Liverpool's and beating them. You're playing against the cream of the crop and you're matching your craft against theirs," he said.
In 1975, West Ham reached the FA Cup final and won, but Best did not start in the final. After the season, he moved to the North American Soccer League (NASL) in the United States, where he played against legends like Pelé. Best won NASL titles in 1975 and 1976, and was named MVP in 1976. He scored 9 goals in 19 games during the 1976 season, with 5 more in the playoffs, finishing his NASL career with 63 goals in 159 games and a total of 110 professional goals.
Best attributes his success to hard work and focus. "To be able to be on the same stage with all the best players in the world and be able to contribute, I think that's very fitting," he said. Reflecting on his career, Best added, "People will remember me as being a very sporting player. I respected the rules of the game and I respected the referees. I think people will remember me as being able to get the job done."
Tony Evans, a sports writer for Britain's Football Monthly, noted that Best is still held in high regard in Great Britain. In Bermuda, many consider Best the greatest athlete the island has ever produced.
Legacy:
Clyde Best's legacy is one of pioneering achievement and enduring impact. As one of the first black players to break into the English First Division, he faced and overcame significant racial barriers, setting the stage for future generations of black footballers. His exemplary conduct on and off the field demonstrated that talent and integrity could triumph over prejudice.
Best's contributions to football were not just measured in goals or victories but in the inspiration he provided to young athletes who saw in him a path to follow. His career serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of resilience, hard work, and dedication. In Bermuda, Best is not only remembered as a great athlete but also as a national hero who brought pride to his country and opened doors for many who came after him.
Through his achievements and the barriers he broke, Clyde Best has left an indelible mark on the world of football and remains a revered figure both in Bermuda and internationally. His story continues to inspire, reminding us of the power of sports to transcend boundaries and unite people across cultures and generations.