Football fans can leave written tributes to West Bromwich Albion hero Cyrille Regis in a Book of Remembrance opened at the Hawthorns today.

Situated in the reception area of the East Stand, the book was formally opened by Cyrille’s widow Julia and members of the Regis family.

Julia and Cyrille’s son Robert and daughter Michelle were at the Hawthorns to leave the first entries.

“The messages of support we have received from Cyrille’s fans has been a huge comfort to the family,” Julia said.

“We will look forward to reading their messages.

“Cyrille was always so appreciative of all the support he received throughout his career and we have all taken strength from the outpouring of love for him.”

Supporters and the general public were able to add their own messages from 8am tomorrow.

Regis, a trailblazer on and off the pitch, died of a suspected heart attack on January 14, aged just 59.

More than just a great goal scorer, Regis gallantly confronted racism during the 1970s and 1980s and did so much to open doors for other black footballers to follow.

An iconic figure in Midlands football, Regis played for Aston Villa, Coventry City and Wolverhampton Wanderers during his 19-year professional career.

But he is best remembered for his time at West Brom where he scored 112 goals in 302 games.

A minute’s applause was held before every Premier League fixture last weekend and at many more matches across the UK, including at Villa, Coventry and Wolves.

Baggies players also wore black armbands for their game at Everton.

Cyrille’s life will be celebrated before West Brom’s next home match, against Southampton on February 3.

Fans can send in heartfelt video and written tributes, a selection of which will be displayed on big screens inside the ground.

Video messages, recorded in landscape form and under three minutes in length, can be emailed to fans@wbafc.co.uk.

Alternatively, fans can leave video messages at the stadium from 1.30pm on Saturday, before supporter coaches set off for the FA Cup game at Liverpool. All tributes will be passed on to the Regis family.

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The wonderful Cyrille tribute that bridges the Albion-Wolves divide

It's a fitting tribute to a footballing legend synonymous with bridging divides and bring people together.

There have been many messages of love for Cyrille Regs this week as the game mourns the loss of a true great - and there will be many more today as football unites to pay its respects.

But a scribbled note left outside The Hawthorns sums up the harmony Cyrille promoted through the way he played the game and lived his life.

We all know the rivalry between West Bromwich Albion and Wolverhampton Wanderers, two of Cyrille's former clubs, is fairly fierce.

Which made this lovely message left by a Wolves fan all the lovelier.

Dave Homer, who is an academy scout at Albion, was paying his respects at the Cyrille shrine that has formed near the Astle Gates when he spotted the old gold and black colours of the Baggies' near neighbours.

On closer inspection of a Wolves scarf at the scene, he saw this message: "Just been to pay respects. Some lovely tributes. One of my favourites being on this Wolves scarf, which says 'Stay up Albion for Cyrille'. Let's hope they're right!"

That's right a Wolves fan wishing Albion every success in their Premier League relegation battle - all in the name of Cyrille's memory.

Lovely stuff. RIP Big Cyrille.