Everton holding minute's applause for Cyrille Regis this weekend as West Brom visit

Both teams will wear black armbands in tribute to the former Baggies striker, who died earlier this week aged 59.

Albion are also installing a Book of Remembrance at The Hawthorns next week, where fans will be able to write down their tributes to great No.9.

The Regis family have accepted the club's invitation to be write the first entries.

Albion are planning a major celebration of Regis's life at their next home game, but this weekend's trip to Goodison Park is the first game since his passing.

Some Baggies fans are taking a banner with the words 'There's only ONE Cyrille Regis' into the away end, and now Everton have confirmed they will be hosting a minute's applause.

Albion chief executive Martin Goodman thanked the club for their show of unity saying: “We are very appreciative of this warm and respectful gesture from Everton.

“Obviously, this has been a tremendously difficult week for everyone here but this is a reminder that Cyrille’s impact spread far beyond the boundaries of The Hawthorns. I know our fans will be very grateful at this opportunity to pay tribute to him.”

Baggies head coach Alan Pardew played against Regis when they were both non-league footballer, and he paid further tribute to him in today's press conference.

"What’s come out since the sad passing of him has been the love for him," he said. "I think that’s been genuine.

"You see that fellow players and people who have been around him. I’ve come into contact with him many times.

"Once when he was a young player at Hayes I played against him. I was only a young boy so I followed his career.

"He broke in, like myself, through the non-league system. When players do that you’ve got a kinship with them. Particularly when they do so great. He was a brilliant player.

"If you wanted to mould a player from the past who would be perfect for today’s game and generation it would be Cyrille.

"He could play the number nine right now for this football team, no doubt. Poor Salomon (Rondon) would be under massive pressure.

"But he was a real gent and I think that’s what has come through. That’s where the feeling is more so.

"Of course it was a great career, but also a real gentleman in the game.

"We’re obviously going to have a minute’s applause at Everton.

"At our next home game we’re going to make a big effort for him which hopefully will be fitting for the legacy he leaves behind."