and Badge of Honour.

The former English professional was amongst those cited during the Queen's Birthday honours, recognised for his achievements in football which included playing for English First Division club West Ham United for seven years between 1968-75. Best is still very highly regarded in England where fans fondly remember his days with the Hammers when he was one of only a few black professionals in the English game at the time.

After his stint with West Ham ended, Best moved to the now defunct North American Soccer League, playing for Tampa Bay Rowdies, Portland Timbers and Toronto Blizzard. He also played a season with Feyenoord in the Dutch First Division in the 1970s.

Best also represented Bermuda on a number of occasions, using his wizardry to bring acclaim to the national team and great pride to his fellow Bermudians with his goal-scoring abilities.

After his playing days ended, Best settled in California and took up coaching at both the high school and college levels. He was coach of Irvine Valley Junior College, which won the California State Championship, and also coached the Olympic Development Select Regional teams. After almost three decades abroad, Best returned to Bermuda in 1997 to take up the post of Technical Director. His tenure ended upon the completion of his contract, which coincided with Bermuda's disappointing exit from the World Cup qualifying campaign.

Clyde Best: Gone but not forgotten