Laurence Cunningham
(1956-1989)

Died aged 33

Laurence Paul Cunningham (8 March 1956 – 15 July 1989) was an English professional footballer. A left winger, he notably played in England, France and Spain, where he became the first ever British player to sign for Real Madrid. Cunningham had signed a schoolboy contract with Arsenal in 1970, but was released in 1972 as his style of play was deemed incompatible with the Gunners’ “give and go” tactics. In 1974 he was picked up by second tier side Orient where he remained for 3 years. But it was following his move to West Bromwich Albion in 1977 that his career really took off. There he played alongside Cyrille Regis and Brendon Batson under coach Ron Atkinson, becoming only the second trio of black players to be fielded in the top flight of English football. They became known as 'the Three Degrees' - a term coined by Atkinson in reference to the American soul group of the same name. His form at the Hawthorns later earned a move to Real Madrid, where he remained for five years, winning La Liga once and the Copa del Rey twice. After a spell in France with Marseille, he returned to England with Leicester City in 1985, followed by a return to Spain with Rayo Vallecano. Cunningham signed with Wimbledon in 1988, where, as a member of the "Crazy Gang", he won the FA Cup in 1988 for the final trophy of his career. Cunningham received his first international call-up to the England U21 side in 1977 while playing for West Bromwich Albion, becoming the first black footballer to represent an England international team organised by the Football Association. He later earned 6 caps for the full national team between 1979 and 1980, becoming one of the first ever black England internationals. While playing for Rayo Vallecano, Cunningham was killed in a car crash in Madrid on the morning of 15 July 1989, at the age of 33.

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footballer of Leyton Orient Football Club 1974-77 and footballer of England national football team 1979-80

Commemorated on 3 plaques

Laurie Cunningham 1956-1989 football legend, pioneering England International played for Leyton Orient FC 1974-1977

Kitchen Court, opposite the Brisbane Road stadium, London, United Kingdom where they played (1974-1977)

Laurie Cunningham 1956-1989 England International Footballer lived here

73 Lancaster Road, Stroud Green, London, United Kingdom where they lived

Laurie Cunningham 8 March 1956 - 15 July 1989 The first black footballer to play for England at senior level and the first British player to transfer to Real Madrid. Started his career at Leyton Orient FC (1974-1977) "If I can get through this maybe it will lead to others getting a fair chance." Unveiled on 30 November 2017 in the presence of his family, the Leader of Waltham Forest Council, Councillor Clare Coghill, and Councillor Chris Robbins who initiated the project. With thanks for the donations from members of the public.

, London, United Kingdom where they played