BFW Exclusive: An interview with former West Ham United star Clyde Best
One of the greatest sports stories is now being told in the film Transforming the Beautiful Game - The Clyde Best Story
English League Division One match at Upton Park. West Ham United 5 v Leicester City 2. West Ham's Clyde Best gets in a shot at goal watched by Leicester's John Sjoberg, 19th August 1972.
(Photo by Mirror Group Newspapers/Mirrorpix/Getty Images) | Getty Images BFW’s very own Jack Laushway attended the premiere of the film Transforming the Beautiful Game – The Clyde Best Story this past weekend in Bermuda. Clyde Best was a revolutionary football star who broke barriers as one of the first black players to play in the English top flight. Best’s story is one of adversity, hope, and humanity.
After watching the film, I was fortunate to sit down with Best at the event for a BFW exclusive interview. Best’s story starts off with an almost unthinkable achievement which was earning a trial in London for West Ham United at just 17-years-old. Coming from the small island of Bermuda to the busy city of London all on his own is truly remarkable.
“It seemed so far away in those days. Getting to West Ham was a new beginning, and it was something I wanted to do. It was a great feeling.