The visit of the famous Sky Blues of Coventry City, was of course the perfect opportunity to pay homage to the late great Cyrille Regis, who left The Hawthorns to find FA Cup glory with Coventry at Wembley in 1987.

It was also an ideal opportunity to welcome the family of Irish international Reg Ryan, one of Albion’s 1954 F.A Cup winners, and of course promotion winners in 1949, whose own football journey started at Coventry as a youngster, to present them with ‘Paddys’ club cap, son Mark receiving it in the Media Suite pre-match from none other than another proud Irishman, long serving legend Chris Brunt.

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On such a night, the Regis Suite was buzzing, with Association Chairman Ray Wilson, joined by Secretary Geoff Snape, Treasurer Norman Westbury, Micky Fudge and ‘Captain Paul Mardon ‘international’ with guests from the PFA.
There was also the customary ‘cameo’ appearances from the ‘one and only Tony Brown, and Andy Johnson on their way upto the Media gantry.
On the other side of the ‘Shrine’ in the East Stand suites Garry Thompson, Martyn Bennett, Ally Robertson and Derek Monaghan were all ‘on duty’ to add to the importance of such an evening, ‘Lest we forget’ Cyrille and of course Paddy Ryan, great servants of our great club, and in Cyrille case, his wonderful contribution to the Former Players Association.