Laurence Paul Cunningham was an English professional footballer.
14 Facts About Laurie Cunningham
2.
Laurie 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.
3.
Laurie 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.
4.
Laurie Cunningham later earned 6 caps for the full national team between 1979 and 1980, becoming one of the first ever black England internationals.
5.
Laurie Cunningham started in schoolboy football and was turned down by Arsenal before joining Orient in 1974.
6.
Laurie Cunningham joined West Bromwich Albion in 1977, where, under manager Johnny Giles, he teamed up with another black player, Cyrille Regis, and the following year with Brendon Batson.
7.
West Bromwich Albion became one of the most attractive and exciting English sides in the late 1970s and Laurie Cunningham soon attracted attention.
8.
Laurie Cunningham became the first black player to wear an England shirt at any level in the England under-21s' friendly against Scotland at Bramall Lane on 27 April 1977, scoring on his debut.
9.
Laurie Cunningham subsequently earned a full England cap, making his debut against Wales in a Home International in 1979.
10.
Laurie Cunningham was to win a total of six caps for England.
11.
Laurie Cunningham scored twice on his debut and helped Real win the league and cup double.
12.
Laurie Cunningham scored the goal that secured their promotion to the Primera Division.
13.
Laurie Cunningham was killed in a car crash in Madrid on the morning of 15 July 1989, at the age of 33.
14.
Laurie Cunningham was survived by his Spanish wife and their son.