Cyrille Regis was more than just a centre-forward; he was a totemic figure in English football and the powerhouse spearhead of Coventry City’s greatest ever side. A striker of immense physical strength, blistering pace, and aerial prowess, Regis was the focal point of the Sky Blues’ attack during their golden era in the mid-1980s.
Arriving at Highfield Road already an icon from his time at West Bromwich Albion, Regis cemented his legend in Coventry by leading the line to FA Cup glory. Below is the complete statistical record of his seven-year tenure with the Sky Blues.
Key Player Vitals & Data
| Metric | Detail |
| Position | Centre-Forward |
| Coventry Career Tenure | 1984 – 1991 |
| Total Competitive Appearances | 274 |
| Total Competitive Goals | 62 |
| League Appearances | 238 |
| League Goals | 47 |
| International Caps (Total) | 5 (England) |
| Major Honours (Coventry) | FA Cup Winner (1987) |
The Highfield Road Powerhouse (1984–1991)
Signed by Bobby Gould in 1984 for £250,000, Regis brought an immediate physical presence to the Coventry attack. He was the archetypal target man of the era—capable of holding up play against the toughest First Division defenders, dominating in the air, and possessing a thunderous shot.
While not always prolific every season, his contribution went beyond raw numbers. His ability to occupy entire defences created space for strike partners like Keith Houchen and David Speedie, making him indispensable to the team’s structure.
The 1987 FA Cup Campaign
Regis’s place in Coventry folklore was secured during the historic 1986-87 FA Cup winning campaign. He was a colossus throughout the run, scoring memorable goals against Bolton Wanderers and Sheffield Wednesday on the road to Wembley.
In the final against Tottenham Hotspur, Regis produced a masterful display of centre-forward play. His strength and direct running constantly troubled the Spurs backline, notably playing a crucial part in Keith Houchen’s legendary diving header that levelled the match at 2-2, before Coventry eventually triumphed in extra time.
A Pioneering Legacy
Beyond his stats and medals, Regis is revered as a trailblazer. Rising to prominence in the late 1970s alongside Brendan Batson and Laurie Cunningham (dubbed “The Three Degrees” at West Brom), he faced down overt racism from the terraces with dignity and devastating football ability, paving the way for future generations of black players in Britain. He was awarded an MBE in 2008 for services to football and the voluntary sector.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How many goals did Cyrille Regis score for Coventry City? Cyrille Regis scored a total of 62 competitive goals in 274 appearances during his seven-year spell at Coventry City between 1984 and 1991.
What did Cyrille Regis win with Coventry City? Regis won the 1987 FA Cup with Coventry City. He played the full 120 minutes in the final against Tottenham Hotspur at Wembley, helping the club secure its first and only major trophy.
Did Cyrille Regis play for England? Yes, Cyrille Regis earned 5 senior caps for the England national team between 1982 and 1987. He made his debut against Northern Ireland.
Who did Cyrille Regis join Coventry City from? Regis joined Coventry City in 1984 from local rivals West Bromwich Albion, where he had already established himself as one of the most feared strikers in the First Division over a seven-year period.
