West Brom manager Ron Atkinson once said Laurie Cunningham could run on snow without leaving footprints. But today we celebrate a different kind of trail that Laurie Cunningham left. We are standing at 73 Lancaster Road in Stroud Green. Here, a blue plaque commemorates Laurie Cunningham.
This plaque honors a footballing trailblazer. Laurie Cunningham was a supremely talented forward. He achieved success with Leyton Orient and West Bromwich Albion. He also starred for the Spanish giants Real Madrid. In 1979, Laurie became the first black player to represent England in a competitive international match.
Laurie Cunningham lived at this address from 1967 to 1976. He lived here with his parents who were Jamaican immigrants. This three-storey house was Laurie’s home as he rose to football stardom. While living here, he met his long-term girlfriend Nicky Brown.
Laurie was more than just a footballer. He loved to dance. He even considered joining the Ballet Rambert dance company. It is said he used dance competition prize money to pay fines for being late to football training.
Laurie Cunningham and other black players faced considerable racism. At West Brom, Laurie was one of three black players. Alongside Cyrille Regis and Brendan Batson, they were known as “The Three Degrees”. Batson recalled the intense racial abuse they suffered.
The abuse was incredibly loud. The National Front would confront them at away games. Players were spat on. Laurie appears to have suffered particularly because of his flair and his white girlfriend. Once, a petrol bomb was pushed through their letterbox. Another time, Laurie confronted men who insulted him. They turned out to be West Brom fans. After lecturing them, he invited them to a game as his guests.
In 144 appearances for West Brom, Laurie scored 30 goals. His performances attracted the attention of Real Madrid. In 1979, they paid £950,000 for him. He was the first Englishman to play for the club. On his debut, he scored twice. In 1980, he helped Real win a league and cup double.
Laurie played for England six times. Injuries hampered his international career. Despite this, he paved the way for other black footballers. Ian Wright and many others acknowledge their debt to Laurie.
Tragically, Laurie Cunningham died in a car accident near Madrid in 1989. He was just 33 years old. This blue plaque ensures his legacy lives on. It reminds us of his talent and his role in breaking down racial barriers in football.