RETRO WEST BROM

Here is the next instalment of my quartet of Midlands Retro Football collages ...

WEST BROMWICH ALBION

This fine club began life in 1878, and were one of the founding members of the original Football League in 1888.

Down the years they have achieved success in all the major English trophies, most notably winning the F.A. Cup 5 times. The Baggies added a League title in 1920 and the League Cup in 1966.

Arguably West Brom's finest player, JEFF ASTLE, played a major part in their last big triumph. He scored in every round of the run to the 1968 F.A. Cup Final, and topped it off by scoring the winner against Everton at Wembley.

He also plays a big role on my collage as he leads the way over some fantastic West Brom memories and memorabilia!

Here he is below, and look out for these other bits on the collage as well ...

Jeff Astle bagged 174 goals in 361 games for the Baggies. 

Brilliant souvenirs of the 1968 F.A. Cup victory. Here we have the programme, an A & BC trading card and an original ticket for the final. Unfortunately I sold this ticket at Spitalfields Market a few years ago, but luckily I did a good quality scan of it first, so I could re-use it here!!

Cool retro pin badges from the 1970s, although the top one could be a little older?

These players created an iconic and really important step forward in British football. 
Although not the first black players to play in this country, it was the first time three had played in the same side. Dubbed a cringe-making 'The Three Degrees', they blazed a trail with their talents in an exciting Albion team in the late 70s.
Brendan Batson played in the first football match I ever went to, turning out for Cambridge United. And as I was leaving a packed tube station near Wimbledon's Plough Lane ground, on my way to a match in 1988, Laurie Cunningham squeezed passed me and sprinted down the road. Great memories!!

 

Classic vintage football programme, with a giant West Brom  player booting a ball at the Hawthorns! The Baggies won this match in 1962 against Man City 2-1. 

Next up will be the final part of this Midlands quartet, BIRMINGHAM CITY. 
Stay tuned!!!