Clyde Best with his honorary jersey; a gift from the team. Photo by Diego Diaz
The Portland Timbers will be honoring a very special player in Timbers history during Saturday’s match against Colorado. Clyde Best played for the Timbers during their North American Soccer League (NASL) days from 1977-1981.
Best was noticed as a teenager playing for Bremuda’s youth national team and eventually made his way to play forward for West Ham United where he scored 47 goals. He was one of the first black players in the first division of English football playing from 1968-1976. During his time in Portland, Best scored 38 goals and 27 assists in 115 games. From 1997-1999 he coached the Bermuda National Team before retiring to Bermuda.
Noel Caliskan with the ball during a scrimmage. Photo by Diego Diaz
Clyde was at the team’s training facility on Thursday morning where he met with the players and was given a #10 honorary jersey by Zac McGraw.
In his speech to the players Best said, “No one comes here to win. This is your fortress, okay. So, nobody comes here to win. I look at you playing the games we would play against Pelé and the Cosmos. You come to Portland, don’t even think about it. Boom! We’re going to win.”
Dairon Asprilla and Larrys Mabiala. Photo by Diego Diaz
He spent time watching training while chatting with reporters and Timbers staff before making his exit. The ceremony to honor this Timber’s legend will be at the half Saturday night as the Timbers take on the Rapids.
Clyde Best holds up honorary jersey while watching training. Photo by Diego Diaz
