West Ham United star Michail Antonio heaps praise on Clyde Best for paving path

West Ham United striker Michail Antonio has heaped praise on former Hammer Clyde Best for paving the way for black players in English football.

Best was one of the first black players in the old First Division when he joined West Ham in 1968 and the Bermudian forward went on to have an excellent career in England playing 187 times for the Irons and scoring 47 goals.

Because Best was one of the only black players in the league he was frequently the target for racist abuse and Antonio has praised the attitude of the former forward, saying without his impact he wouldn't be playing at the level he is today.

Speaking to Sky Sports (24 October) he said: "I always think how would I have dealt with the racism side of things and everything that he had to deal with and I'm not sure I could have dealt with it.

"The way that he dealt with it and just turned up and just constantly played and scoring his goals. This day and age there are so many people that are there, they'll stick up for you they'll report it, but back then it wasn't ready.

"To come from that to becoming a legend for West Ham. To be called the legend, there isn't a better name than that by the way, is just an unbelievable achievement.

"He came out here to look for his dream and then he's fulfilled his dream, with all the negative things that have surrounded him, he made everything positive. I've said it and I'll keep saying it, I wouldn't be where I am without Clyde."

Positive steps

While there is still a long way to go to solve racism in football, Antonio's words serve as a reflection of just how far the game has come in recent years and it also should remind West Ham supporters of just how intwined with the club their striker is.

Antonio has been the subject of criticism for his performances in the past and is by no means the most clinical of strikers, but every time he steps foot on the pitch for the Hammers, he gives his all and it is clear that he cares deeply about the club.

The way in which he's adapted his style of play to transition from an average full-back to now playing week in and week out as a striker for a Europa League side has to be admired and even if he isn't the most fashionable of forwards, he is a key part of David Moyes' side.

Hopefully, he can rediscover his goalscoring touch in the coming weeks as the Irons look to recover from their heavy defeat to Aston Villa on Sunday and there are few better opportunities than the Europa League clash with Olympiacos.

In other West Ham news, Edson Alvarez has name-checked Bayern Munich in a transfer admission