DAVID Flitcroft is expecting an emotional occasion when he takes his Swindon Town side to Coventry City today and paying his own tribute to Cyrille Regis.

The Sky Blues are planning a series of tributes to legendary striker and FA Cup-winning hero Regis ahead of this afternoon’s League Two match at the Ricoh Arena.

Regis, who played 238 games and scored 47 goals for Coventry, passed away last Sunday aged only 59.

Flitcroft played alongside Regis at Chester City during the latter’s final season as player in the 1995-96 campaign and admits his death has reverberated around the football world.

“As a player, he totally changed our season when he came in,” said Flitcroft.

“Andy Milner couldn’t score goals but Cyrille came in and occupied two centre halves at times, just with his sheer presence.

“There was an aura about him. I was his room partner and I did anything he asked, whatever he wanted. He was absolutely unique with the charisma he had.

“He played a big part in me understanding about having a respectful environment from watching a player be totally focussed on his job, always available and just an absolute true professional.

“When you get an older pro in, are they prepared to help the younger players? Are they prepared to give that advice? Cyrille was one of the best at that.

“I think the football world misses him. It is a real sad day when the football world – and the wider world itself – losses someone like Cyrille. He was true gentleman.”

A minute’s applause will be held ahead of kick-off this afternoon, while Regis will also adorn the front cover of the matchday programme.

Players will wear black armbands, while there will be a tribute video played on the big screen at half-time.

A memory book will be available for fans to sign and share their memories of Regis in the Family Zone from 1-2.30pm.