For many young supporters, the name Laurie Cunningham isn’t a familiar one, despite the former O’s man arguably being their greatest ever player and going onto become the first British man to make the move to Spanish giants Real Madrid.
Cunningham was no stranger to making history; the skilful footballer was part of the famous “Three Degrees” at West Bromwich Albion, following a successful partnership with Cyrille Regis and Brendon Batson – only the second black trio to be fielded in England’s topflight division.
A winger on the pitch, Cunningham was handed his professional debut at the age of 18. Laurie went onto make 75 appearances across three seasons in England’s second division for Orient, before capturing the eye of Ron Atkinson and signing for the Baggies. His flair and style saw him secure his career best goal tally of 21 in 86 appearances.
Madrid Move
After three seasons in the first division with West Brom, a £950,000 bid would be enough to see Cunningham become the first Brit to make the move to the European giants; for whom he secured a league and cup double in his debut campaign.
Cunningham was nicknamed the “black pearl” in Spain, wowing local fans with his trickery and audacious style, including taking corners with the outside of his boot.
It wasn’t all smiles at the Galaticos, injuries would restrict the talent to 44 appearances, including the 1-0 loss to Liverpool in the 1981 European Cup final. Five years at Madrid came with two loans move, the first of which to Manchester United.
“Three Degrees”
Cyrille Regis, Brendon Batson and Lauire Cunningham were nicknamed the “Three Degrees’ when the American, female pop group with the same name, visited the Baggies. The name had been a tongue and cheek comment by a member of staff, but the name stuck with the three footballers, who now have a statue in their honour.
Each of the footballers are said to have “opened the gates for black players,” inspiring the likes of John Barnes and Ian Wright.
International Recognition
Impressive performances during his time at West Brom earned international recognition, with Cunningham becoming just the second black footballer to represent England at any international level, as he featured in an U21’s friendly against Scotland in April of 1977. The game finished 1-0 to the three lions and Cunningham was the man to net the winner, bundling home from close range.
The wait for a full international debut wouldn’t be too long, as a cap against Wales in 1979 was Cunningham’s first of six for his country.
Injuries
Injuries really hit the latter stage of Cunningham’s career who failed to find a place to stay for much longer than a season. Following a spell at Manchester United, Laurie represented a further seven clubs including Wimbledon.
A short spell with the Wombles secured another winners medal; as the London club beat Liverpool 1-0 in the 1988 FA Cup final. Cunningham came on from the bench in the second half of the game to feature for little over half an hour.
Too Soon
A year later Cunningham died in a terrible car crash in Madrid. At the age of just 33, a legends career and life was cut short far too soon. Cunningham left behind a wife and son, along with a lasting legacy that will always be remembered.
