Laurence Paul 'Laurie' Cunningham was born in Archway, London on the 8th of March 1956 to Jamaican parents where he started in schoolboy football but, having signed a schoolboy contract with Arsenal in 1970, he was released
in 1972 as his style of play was deemed incompatible with the Gunners’ 'give and go' tactics, and joined Leyton Orient in 1974. He was to become a member of the Club's successful youth team of 1973-74
that finished runners-up in the South East Counties League and won the
London Youth Cup. Laurie was voted 'Player of the Tournament' when
Orient visited Holland for an international youth competition and he
signed professional forms on his 18th birthday. Laurie only spent three years at Orient, pulling on the red shirt at Brisbane Road a total of 75 times and scoring 15 goals, but in his spell from 1974-1977 became one of the O`s greatest ever players, if not the greatest, although fans of the O`s all-time leading goal scorer Tommy Johnston or striker Peter Kitchen may disagree. Whilst he didn't spend the time at Brisbane Road to gain legendary status, he is undoubtedly one of the most accomplished and famous footballers to ever play for the club.
Everything about Laurie Cunningham's career was extraordinary as he was also an enigma. A lover of fashion, music, dancing, modelling, architecture and wine bars, he was no typical footballer. From his lower league beginnings at Leyton Orient, his role in the 'Three Degrees' at West Brom, his move to European giants Real Madrid to his untimely death in a car crash at the age of 33.
Blessed with speed and skill, he first came to the attention of the O`s fans in 1974 and as Simpson wrote in his book 'Leyton Orient Greats', " Anyone who frequented the ground between 1974 and 1977 was blessed with the most incredible good fortune, for they got to witness a young man by the name of Laurence Paul Cunningham at work. A winger of spine-tingling speed, skill and balletic grace, Laurie sprinkled magic on that muddy field in Leyton, and the anticipation in the stadium was palpable every time he got on the ball. That he's an Orient great is unquestionable"
Orient struggled in 1976-77 but the shining light – repeatedly –
was Laurie Cunningham whose trickery and speed continued to torment and
stun defenders. The rumours of bids for his signature started just a
few weeks into the following season and, not for the first time in their
history, Orient's financial problems dictated that one of their
exciting youngsters would have to be sold. Crowds were low, the pitch
needed money spent on drainage and the bank was pressing for money. Offers
for the youngster were being received by the week but it was around
the time of his 21st birthday in March 1977 that he departed for First
Division West Bromwich Albion. Laurie had gone on to play 82 senior games for Orient, scoring 16 goals, but his ability had marked him out as a star and unsurprisinglywhen a bigger club came in and in he moved to West Brom for £110,000.
In October 2013 Orient supporters flocked to one corner of Brisbane Road to see the hour-long homage on the 39th anniversary that Laurie Cunningham introduced himself to the world of football at Leyton Orient. The Nubian Jak Community Trust, in partnership with Leyton Orient Football Club, Kick it Out, and Waltham Forest Council, unveiled a blue commemorative Nubian Jak Community Trust Plaque in his honour.
Steve Jenkins, on behalf of Orient supporters, said: "It’s sad that fate
deals the cards in your life. During his brief life he was a shining
star and example to everyone of different creeds and colour."
Chief Executive of Leyton Orient, Matt Porter, commented, "Laurie is one of our most fondly remembered players both for his talent and character. Arguably our most naturally gifted player of all time, his spirit very much lives on at the Club and every fan of his generation can recall watching him play. As a Club we are committed to keeping his memory alive and hope that he can continue to inspire many future generations."
Former team mates from Laurie's era, including Cyril Regis and Brendon Batson from his West Brom days as well as former Orient players Peter Allen and Phil Hoadley were present to speak in the Olympic Suite before the game and on the pitch at half time. Orient can be proud that they contributed the first opportunity for a player who became a dearly loved and legendary figure wherever he went, enriching football fans with his electrifying talents. He was the first Briton to join Real Madrid in the modern era, and one of the very first black players to represent England. He was often subjected to racist abuse. Those who recall seeing him play talk with a whispered air about greatness. Spain's former manager Vincente del Bosque, Cunningham's team-mate at Madrid, described him as "the Cristiano Ronaldo of his era".
Chief Executive of Leyton Orient, Matt Porter, commented, "Laurie is one of our most fondly remembered players both for his talent and character. Arguably our most naturally gifted player of all time, his spirit very much lives on at the Club and every fan of his generation can recall watching him play. As a Club we are committed to keeping his memory alive and hope that he can continue to inspire many future generations."
Former team mates from Laurie's era, including Cyril Regis and Brendon Batson from his West Brom days as well as former Orient players Peter Allen and Phil Hoadley were present to speak in the Olympic Suite before the game and on the pitch at half time. Orient can be proud that they contributed the first opportunity for a player who became a dearly loved and legendary figure wherever he went, enriching football fans with his electrifying talents. He was the first Briton to join Real Madrid in the modern era, and one of the very first black players to represent England. He was often subjected to racist abuse. Those who recall seeing him play talk with a whispered air about greatness. Spain's former manager Vincente del Bosque, Cunningham's team-mate at Madrid, described him as "the Cristiano Ronaldo of his era".
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