If ever Bermuda has had a football legend we can call our own, it has to be Clyde Best , MBE, who made history playing for West Ham United as an explosive striker from 1968-1976, becoming one of the first black footballers in Engish top flight football. In over 200 appearances Clyde scored 58 goals paving the way for future generations of black players at a time when racism plagued English football.
More of Clyde’s tremendous impact on football in a moment but just by coincidence myself and retired Commissioner Clive “Fury” Donald were at the Somerset branch of the Bank of Butterfield last week when we bumped into Clyde and struck up a conversation with him. Clyde fondly remembered seeing and playing with and against Clive when he was a teenager, and said “Fury” was one of his hero’s when he was playing for Somerset Trojans.
Clive “Fury” Donald was certainly an outstanding athlete in his own right in several sports, including football when he played regularly for the Police Football team, and represented Bermuda in matches against overseas teams. In fact, when the first football match was played at what is now the National Stadium at Prospect, Bermuda’s Over 23’s played against Bermuda Under 23’s, and the first goal on the new pitch was said to have been scored by Clive “Fury” Donald.
Clive also recalls the day he played against Clyde in a football match in Somerset when there was some hype about which of the two would score the most goals. Perhaps fortunately, Clive doesn’t remember the outcome!
Clive also excelled as an all-rounder at cricket where bowling at a “furious”pace earning him the nickname “Fury”. He took up squash shortly after arriving on Island in 1959, playing on the former military court built during the 1930’s at the Prospect Garrison and he went on to win the Bermuda Club Championship 4 times and our Bermuda Veteran championship no less than 6 years in a row, representing Bermuda at numerous Rosebowl championhips against teams from the West Indies.
Clive had joined the Bermuda Police as a young constable in 1959 and rose through the ranks spending most of his service as an outstanding detective, and he reached the rank of Commissioner of Police before retiring in August 1992 after 33 years service in the BPS.
It’s almost impossible to adequately describe the incredible impact Bermuda’s legendary footballer, Clyde Best, had on football from the day he first arrived in England in 1968, as a 17 year old, to play for West Ham United in the English First Division. However, the ‘impossible’ has become ‘possible’ with the production of a superb documentary “Transforming the Beautful Game: The Clyde Best Story” directed by Dan Egan which chronicles the groundbreaking journery Clyde made in becoming one of the very first black superstars in top flight modern British football, who also went on to become a legend of the North American Soccer League.
The documentaty premiered in the UK in April 2026 and focuses on Clyde’s mental toughness and calm dignity as a top class football player while also highlighting the racial abuse thrown at Clyde. The film features interviews with modern football legends such as Ian Wright, Viv Anderson and Les Ferdinand, who credit Clyde Best with breaking the barriers that allowed them to have their own professional careers.
As outlined by Sadlers Wells who premiered the documentary in the UK , “The Clyde Best Story” features never-before-seen archival footage from historic matches involving the Bermuda National Team, West Ham United, and the NASL, paired with in-depth interviews with football legends including Ian Wright, Geoff Hurst, Viv Anderson, Garth Crooks, Rodney Marsh, Howard Gayle, and Harry Redknapp. Additional voices—Randy Horton, Bobby Barnes, Patrick Horne, Carlton Cole, Paul Davis, Ade Coker, Kasey Keller, and Clyde Best himself - add depth, perspective, and authenticity to the story.
I was privileged to see the documentary when it opened here in Bermuda in May 2026 where it drew packed audiences at the Ruth Seaton James auditorium. This absolutely incredible film far exceeded my expectations as I’m sure it did for anyone and everyone who was fortunate enough to see it here in Bermuda. What made it uniquely special was that Clyde himself attended every showing, warmly greeting members of the audience as we arrived, and personally taking part in discussions with the audiences immediately following each showing.
I attended along with my son-in-law, Martin Wyer, who is one of the top referees on the Island, and my 14 year old grandson, Eddie Wyer who is following in his fathers footsteps, taking referee training courses, refereeing junior matches and officiating as linesman in senior games. Both were blown away by this fascinating film. On the issue of refereeing, Clyde earned a reputation as a tough player which was entirely due to his strength and agility on the field, not because of rough or illegal play. During the film he makes specific reference to the one time he received a red card, and he had no hesitation in admitting that he deserved it, or rather he “earned” it. You will need to see the film for yourself to see if you agree with Clyde that he “earned” it”! The audience sure agreed with him on the evening I saw it - and gave him an ovation for doing so!
Both Clyde Best and Clive "Fury" Donald were forces to be reckoned with on the field of play with both giving 100% every time they stepped out on the field, however, they both played football in the true spirit of the game,
Shortly after the showing of “Transforming the Beautful Game: The Clyde Best Story” here on Island we had the unique distinction of hosting His Majesty, King Charles on a Royal Visit to Bermuda - the first King to ever visit Bermuda in our 400 year history (he had previosuly visited the Island in 1970 as the young Prince of Wales). During his visit, a Royal reception was held in the gardens of Government House, and one of the first persons introduced to His Majesty at the reception was our very own Clyde Best. He was warmly greeted by His Majesty who clearly knew all about Bermuda’s legendary footballer.
Editors Note - This first class film is now being shown at prestigous locations in the U.S. which includes Tampa Bay where Clyde was a key member of the Tampa Bay Rowdies team that captured the 1975 NASL Championship, winning Soccer Bowl ’75 in the club’s inaugural season. His presence is said to have brought international experience, physicality, and professionalism to a young squad that quickly became one of the league’s most exciting teams. The championship run helped cement the Rowdies’ place in American soccer history and introduced a passionate fan base in Tampa Bay for the global game. For Best, the 1975 title represented both a career milestone and a powerful extension of his pioneering legacy beyond English football. Rowdies fans were invited to gather for a screening, discussion, and celebration of all Clyde Best has done for their soccer community.
I would urge anyone who loves "The Beautiful Game" to do whatever you can to witness and experience this incredible film. It is of the highest quality - and not to be missed.