Laurie Cunningham (8 March 1956 – 15 July 1989), footballer who had the distinction of being the first English player to join Spanish giants Real Madrid.   Laurie Cunningham first came to prominence with Leyton Orient before signing for WBA where he flourished under Ron Atkinson.  A highpoint of this period was when he almost single-handed destroyed Dave Sexton’s Manchester United at Old Trafford. United player David McCreery, who played for United that day said ‘He was going past people as if they just weren’t there. I’m sure it was brilliant to watch, but it was a nightmare to be on the opposite team…’ Cunningham’s eye-catching performances, incredible pace and athleticism secured his move to Real Madrid during the summer of 1979.  He helped the Madrid giants to a la Liga and Copa Del Rey double during his first season. Cunningham was rapidly reaching his peak, but his career was beginning to be blighted by injuries. He was however fit to take his place in the Real Madrid team that lost to Liverpool in the 1981 European Cup Final. After four years at the Bernabeu, Cunningham was reunited with Atkinson, now manager of Manchester United, when he went to Old Trafford on loan. After leaving Madrid at the end of the 1982-83 season Cunningham began a spell as journeyman player, having short-term spells with a variety of teams around Europe before finally winning an unlikely FA Cup winners medal with Wimbledon in 1988. The following season Cunningham returned to Spain, playing for 2nd Division outfit Rayo Vellacano.  He led the team to it’s first ever promotion to the top flight. Preparing for the new season, Laurie Cunningham was tragically involved in a horrific car crash just outside Madrid.  He sustained massive injuries and tragically died on 15th July 1989 aged just 33. Ron Atkinson had no doubts about the abilities of his former player: ‘Laurie was probably the best talent that Britain had produced since George Best’.