Chris Hughton highlighted Cyrille Regis’s legacy for black footballers as tribute was paid to the West Bromwich Albion great at the Hawthorns today.

The Albion boss broke off from preparations for tomorrow's game at Southampton to attend an emotional memorial service in honour of Regis, who died suddenly earlier this month aged 59.

A private family funeral was held before Regis's widow Julia and family travelled to the Hawthorns, where West Brom hosted a public service to celebrate the former England international's life.

Hughton said: "Today's very much about Cyrille the man. Cyrille played in an era, the same era as me, where it was very difficult for black players.

"As eras go on, the modern-day player who does not have to experience what Cyrille went through, can reflect on what he went through and the legacy he left behind."

Former West Brom striker Jason Roberts, Regis's nephew, paid a heartfelt tribute during the service and then again afterwards.

He said: "I've been surprised since the start at how he was so universally loved and how his impact was more than just as a footballer. He was able to unite people around issues.

"He did it in a manner which painted him as a leader but it was never anything which he sought. That was the human he was.

"He had time for everyone and made them think they were the only person in the room. His faith and love for his family is why so many people have been impacted by his loss."

Ex-Liverpool winger John Barnes was also by Hughton, former Albion defender Chris Ramsey, Les Ferdinand, Ron Atkinson and Dwight Yorke.

Barnes said: "The biggest compliment I can pay him was that he was a superstar but a humble superstar. He was an inspiration to a lot of black players."