Don’t give up!
That’s the message Clyde Best hopes people will get when they watch the documentary about his groundbreaking life.
The footballing icon is thrilled to share his journey in the film Transforming the Beautiful Game: The Clyde Best Story, which launches this April.
His personal achievements have long been a source of pride for Bermudians.
Mr Best, who scored 58 goals for West Ham United in the 1960s and 1970s, is regarded as the first Black footballing superstar in the UK.
His trailblazing career also included dozens of goals in the United States, Canada and the Netherlands.
Yet Mr Best’s greatest legacy is the remarkable way he handled racism.
He recently told how he once received a letter from someone threatening to throw acid in his face the next time he ran on the pitch.
Mr Best refused to buckle, and his fellow players formed protective lines either side of him to ensure he could get safely onto the pitch and the show could go on. As far as Mr Best was concerned, he had a job to do.
“My most important message is don’t give up,” Mr Best, 75, told Bermudian History.
“You have got to be tough. You can’t give in. You need to do what you’ve got to do. You are going to get obstacles in your way, on the field or from the people in the stands, but you can’t let it stop you.”
Be inspired
The documentary, directed by award-winning filmmaker Dan Egan, reflects on Mr Best’s career which began with Somerset Trojans in the mid 1960s.
It includes interviews with legends of the game including England internationals Viv Anderson, Les Ferdinand and Ian Wright, and Mr Best’s West Ham teammate Harry Redknapp.
“It feels great to have this film made,” Mr Best said.
“It’s something that we think is going to be worthwhile, and hopefully a lot of the younger boys can look at it and see this is the way to go.
“I hope it appeals to everybody, but mainly young people, who will look at some of the stuff and feel they can be like that too.
“We have done this mainly to make people understand that you can make it if you really try.”
His own legacy, he said, was his determination to “stay in the race”.
“You are going to have things in your way, but you don’t give in. Be a pillar of strength and don’t give in. That’s what I’m most proud of.
“A lot of people might have given in. I didn’t. I was there for a purpose. I’m glad the Lord picked me.”
Mr Best noted that while racism may not be as vicious in the stands, it has not been eradicated from the sport while modern-day Black players receive abuse on social media.
“At times, racism has changed, but at times it remains the same,” he said.
“But as an individual, you have got to do what you can to get rid of it and do the things that are necessary to prevent it.
“It’s a lot easier for the players today than it was when I played. I was by myself. Today, you have got four or five guys on a team, so you have got their help.
“But you have still got to be strong. Set your goals. Make sure you keep them in your mind.”
Keep going
In recent times, many have questioned the underrepresentation of Blacks in football management.
A 2022 report from the Black Footballers Partnership found 43 per cent of Premier League footballers were Black – yet only 4 per cent of managerial positions for former players went to Blacks.
Mr Best’s stance on Blacks in management today mirrors his thoughts on his own playing career.
“We understand the numbers, but you have got to keep going. Don’t give in,” he said.
“Because they are not there yet, it doesn’t mean to say they are not going to be there some day, if you believe in it. You have got to go for it.”
He gave the example of Liam Rosenior, who was appointed manager of Chelsea in January.
“He’s taken off well and it goes to show, this is an opportunity and he’s got to stick at it,” he said.
One of the greatest changes from Mr Best’s playing days is the vast salaries earned by modern players.
“I would hope that a lot of the players doing well are going to do things in their community to help people who are less fortunate,” he said.
“Compared to what we were paid, the guys today make lots of money. I just hope they use it in the right manner and do things with it. They have got the power to make a difference.
“I like Ronaldo because he does a lot in his community with the money he makes.”
Several events are lined up to celebrate the launch of The Clyde Best Story.
- March 29 to April 7: Youth clinic with Bermuda footballer Dante Leverock and a coach from West Ham. Further details will be released soon.
- April 16 to May 2: Art exhibition at the Bermuda Society of Arts focusing on Bermuda footballers. Curated by Bermudian artist Jasmine Lee and supported by Barbara Dillas. This exhibition will later move to Dockyard.
- April 21 to 26: On-island premieres. A red-carpet experience and immersive premiere evening including premium reserved seating, meet and greet opportunities, photo opportunities and post-film discussion.
