This week, award-winning international film producers announced that a feature-length documentary depicting the life of Bermudian football legend, Clyde Best, is underway. Through exclusive interviews and unseen footage, the documentary will touch on topical themes including racism in sports, combating discrimination and systematic change.
While it’s known that Best was one of the first Black players in First Division English Football, the story of how he was able to overcome racial discrimination to become the most prominent Black player in the 1970s has never been told. Through intimate interviews with Clyde and other football greats, the film uses his inspiring journey to open a larger narrative of racial equality in professional athletics.
When asked to provide a quote for the announcement of the documentary, Clyde Best said “If you can’t win, don’t lose.” The short statement packs a powerful punch and provides a little insight into how this living legend applied a strong but humble attitude to his game and to his life. Former West Ham teammate Harry Redknapp has said of Best “You can’t overestimate the impact he had on the club, English football, and society. He was a role model for so many following in his footsteps.”
Producer, Julie Anderson, is an Academy-Award nominated film producer, director, and development executive. Her work is featured on HBO, HBO Sports, CNN and ESPN. Julie comments on the film, "Clyde Best is the Jackie Robinson of professional soccer yet few know of his history. Like Jackie, Clyde faced enormous adversity and torment with grace and dignity. It’s time that his story be told."
Clyde played 221 games for West Ham United Football Club from 1968-1976, scoring 58 goals as a striker. Following his English career, Best was one of the high-profile athletes brought to the United States where he scored over 50 goals for the Tampa Bay Rowdies and the Portland Timbers. During his career, he played with and against high-profile athletes including Brazilian great Pelé.
Co-producer, Dan Egan, is leading the fundraising venture for the film. He comments, “The film takes an international view of the state of racism in football. From the high-profile Premier League and recent online social media racial abuse to the Black Players Coalitions of the Major League Soccer in the United States.
“All of us involved with this project are excited to showcase Clyde’s incredible impact on the world’s most popular sport, and society in general. The story is historically important and particularly relevant in these socially turbulent times.”
If you would like to get involved and support this project, more information on donations can be found on www.ClydeBest.com.
