Old Baggies

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Quite the busiest man at the Hawthorns on Saturday was Former Players Association Chairman Ray Wilson. Following the 'Baggies' disappointing defeat against Swansea Ray did the honours both pre-match and post match in the Millichip suite, where he is pictured with Zoltan Gera, currently out of the side through injury. Ray also found himself presenting the Man of the match shirt to the sponsors, in the absence of Mark Antoine Fortune. Ray also provides his thoughts on yet another game that Albion have let slip away. Other guests of the club were former inside forward Micky Fudge and legendary FA cup winning skipper Graham Williams.

Both men are pictured together in the Richardson Suite following the game. We were also delighted to say 'hello' to the one and only 'Big Dave' himself, Darren Moore. The big man, with Burton's game being postponed due to the weather, trotted down to the Hawthorns, of course his 'spiritual' home, to take in the game, and catch up with old friends.

NORWICH CITY Former Albion midfielder Ian Hamilton once again did sterling work in the Millichip suite both before and after the game and is pictured with current player Jerome Thomas after the baggies disappointing home defeat to Norwich City. Match report coming soon...

AGM 2012



Another Former Players AGM, in fact this was the 9th and it just goes to show Another Former Players AGM, in fact this was the 9^th and it just goes to show how quickly time flies and how successful the Association has become over the years. Once again it was a tremendous turnout with ages ranging from Dave Walsh who is 89 to the likes of Paul Raven at 41.

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EVERTON FPA Chairman Ray Wilson, was once again Master of Ceremonies in the Millichip Suite, after last Sundays New Years day clash with Everton. Ray is pictured with Albion fullback Billy Jones, who joined the club from Preston North End in the close season. Billy is course a member of the 'Albion full backs club, which of course Ray was at pains to point out!! Ray is also pictured with young Max McLean, who was the winner of Rays match day quiz. The former Albion full back presented Max with a copy of David Waldrons wonderful book on Albion 'Legends'. Read match report >>

MANCHESTER CITY

'Derek Monaghan and Ray Wilson, were the Associations guests of the club, along with former manager Johnny Giles in the various suites for the visit of league leaders Manchester City on Boxing Day. After a stirring 'Baggies' performance, Derek and Ray were joined by Albion's 'supporters cult hero' Paul Sharner in the Millichip Suite.

Paul stole the show, with his match assessment and exhausting 'signing session' which kept the corporate guests enthralled. Derek and Ray are pictured with the Austrian mid-fielder in the Millichip, and Ray is pictured pitchside before the game, with a few presentations.'.

Read match report >>

A busy day for our members last Saturday with the visit of Wigan Athletic. Ian Hamilton, John Kaye and Gordon Nisbet were all 'on duty' in the various suites, and John Kaye, made his way pitchside to do the outside presentations, 'filling in' for Albion's nineteenth man. 'Yorkie' is pictured making one of several presentations. pictured is Ian Hamilton doing the honour's in the Millichip Suite with Albions under 21 international Craig Dawson. You can also read Hamm'y views on what was a disappointing by clicking here >>.

MATCH PREVIEW WIGAN ATHLETIC – SATURDAY 10th DECEMBER 2011 After Albion's hard fought point in West London against Queens Park Rangers last Saturday, they will be glad to get back onto home turf, and try to get something from their home clash with Wigan Athletic. The 'Latics' are just one of the sides 'the Baggies' need to beat in order to maintain a healthy League position. Sharing 'duties' in the various suites this week are F.A.Cup winner John 'Yorkie' Kaye, who is joined by 'the man they converted from goal-keeper to full-back' Gordon Nisbet. Gordon joined the club as a junior in August 1968, making his debut a year later in the first team as a 'keeper against Coventry City. Successfully converted to right back, Gordon went on to amass 167 appearances for Albion, before moving on in 1976. Read more >>

UP FOR THE CUP - CARDIFF CITY - 'WE'VE MET BEFORE'

Albion will entertain the 'Bluebirds' of Cardiff City, in the 3rd round of the F.A.Cup at the Hawthorns on Saturday 7th January 2012, and it certainly has been a long time coming, since the last occasion these two sides met in this famous old competition.

The 'Baggies' have met Cardiff twice before in the history of the cup, and strangely enough both at the third round stage of the competition...
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"The Former Players Association joined forces with a team of collectors from St Marys Hospice on Saturday prior to the Spurs game to raise money for this life changing organisation. Association members Ally Brown, Cyrille Regis, Nicky Cross, Stewart Woolgar, Ray Wilson, Derek Monaghan, Norman Westbury & Geoff Snape provided support for our President Brendon Batson MBE in his quest to add to the money he raised 12 months ago with his cycle ride from Chingford to the Hawthorns. St Marys Hospice is close to Brendon's heart as they provided a great deal of support during the battle his late wife Cecily had with cancer. Our thanks go to the Football Club, Foundation, all the bucket collectors and those that gave so generously to raise £2,472.20.

Vic Stirrup

The Former Players Association is saddened to learn of the death of Vic at the age of 93. Vic was a Legend amongst Legends, he started watching the Albion at the age of 6 and since the 2nd World War he has hardly missed a game home or away. He is known for having cycled to Stoke City on his bike in 1937 and has held a season ticket since 1938.

His final game was our 2-0 victory over local rivals Wolverhampton Wanderers. He will be sorely missed by all Former Players but none more so than his family to whom we express our sincere condolences.

Vic's funeral will take place on Thursday 8th December at West Bromwich Crematorium, Newton Rd, and to use the family's words, will kick off at 3.00pm, the funeral cortege will leave his house at 2.15 and will pass by the Hawthorns at 2.30pm.

Pictured in the Millichip Suite following last Saturdays match against Tottenham Hotspur are former Albion mid-fielder Ian Hamilton and current defender Gareth McAuley. Hammy did the 'honours' in the suite both pre match match and post match. Also pictured is 1960's centre forward Jack 'Shack' Lovatt, and his daughter Rebecca.

Former 'Baggies legend', Brendon Batson MBE, was the guest of the London Supporters club, last Tuesday evening (22nd November), when over 30 Albion fans gathered together at a London venue, to 'fire' questions covering all aspects of the 'beautiful game' to the former Albion full-back and now one of the leading lights of football administration.

Brendon, as expected, did not disappoint, and a fantastic evening was had by all. The Chairman and committe of the LSC would once again like to thank Brendon for his time and input in a wonderful evening.

Congratulations from there fellow Former Players to both Gary Hackett & Mickey Mellon on the superb FA Cup successes both teams achieved in the 1st round. Mickey is having a tremendous season with Fleetwood and there victory against Wycombe with only 10 men is a wonderful achievement. However, I think Mickey will agree that for Gary's side Stourbridge to put out Plymouth Argyle is probably the most outstanding result so far in the FA Cup and the Midlands can be truly proud of the Glassboy's performance. Both having home ties next round gives them every chance of getting into the pot for the 3rd round and it would be great if one of them pulled the Albion out of the bag with a Hawthorns tie.

TOTTENHAM REVIEW – TONY BROWN

With the three points safely in the 'bag' from the Bolton match last Saturday. Albion now face the prospect of another home clash, this time against the 'millionaires' from White Hart Lane, Tottenham Hotspur. A match that Albion have traditionally fared well in.

Indeed Spurs have not won at the Hawthorns since April 2003, Albion's first season in the Premier League, when Tottenham won 3-2. Last seasons clash was drawn one each, and the two previous Hawthorns clashes went Albion's way by the same score on each occasion, 2-0.

I was fortunate enough to catch up with the Albion 'legend' that is the 'Bomber' Tony Brown during the week, and he gave me his thoughts on next Saturday's game. "Not an easy game." I suggested to the former Albion goal-poacher. Read more >>

Former members of Ron Atkinson's ground breaking team, right back Brendon Batson and centre forward Derek Monaghan were guests of the club in the Millichip suite, for last Saturdays clash with Bolton Wanderers. Brendon and Derek are pictured together in the suite after the match. They are both also pictured with Albion's current right back Steven Reid, who visited both the Millichip and Richardson Suite after the match, to make presentations to the corporate guests. You can read Derek's match report by clicking on the link provided.

BOLTON PREVIEW – PAUL ROBINSON

In the build up to next Saturdays 'crunch' match against 'the Trotters' from Bolton, I was able to catch up with former Albion defender, and fans favourite, Paul Robinson. 'Robbo' who left the Hawthorns in 2009, and headed off up the M6 to the Reebok, to continue his 'love affair' with the Premiership, and has been pretty much a regular in the side since making the move. I first asked him if he was looking forward to his Hawthorns return, the second since he left Albion, and of course even at this early stage of the season, a big game.

Read more from this interview >>

Botlon Wanderers Preview Recovering from a really tough start, Albion were able to put together 'back to back' wins against midland rivals Wolverhampton Wanderers and Aston Villa. Unfortunately, Kenny Dalgleish brought his 'football millionaires down from the North West to spoil the party, taking all three points from the Hawthorns last week. Read full preview by clicking here >>

GARY THOMPSON

Former Albion goalscorer, Garry Thompson, was the guest in the Millichip Suite, at the Hawthorns last Saturday, when he entertained fans, prior to them travelling the few miles down the Witton Road, to Villa Park. Just before Garry commenced his duties, part of the club's ongoing arrangement, with the Former Players Association, I managed to 'grab' a few words on next Saturday's exciting clash with the 'Reds' from Anfield.

Yet another big game next week against Liverpool, I suggested to the former Albion, Villa and Coventry leader. What are your memories of clashes with the 'Reds'.

Read more from this interview >>

Baggies ´black country´Clash.. Former Albion players Cyrille Regis, Ray Wilson and Derek Monaghan, were guests of the club, for 'the Baggies' black country 'derby' clash with the Wolves on Sunday. Ray and Derek are pictured together and Cyrille is pictured with his grand-daughter Jayda, after the match in the Pennington Suite. You can read Cyrilles match report by clickin onto the link provided.

Pictured in the Millichip suite following Albions match against Liverpool last Saturday are Formers Players Chairman Ray Wilson, son Iain, and Albion keeper Ben Foster, who along with Ray entertained guests in the suite after the game.' 'Also pictured together, are 1968 cup winning skipper Graham Williams, Micky Fudge, and Ally Brown, who were guests of the club in the Richardson Suite. You can read Ally's match report by clicking onto the link provided.



Brian then played locally for Brierley Hill Alliance and Redditch before playing works football with Kendrick and Jefferson, the printers in West Bromwich. He finally hung up his boots in the late 60's. Born on 21st May 1939, Brian leaves three daughters, three Grand Children and six Great Grand Children.His funeral will take place at Newton Road Cemetary, Great Barr on Friday 30th September 2011 at 12.15pm.

Jack Haines - England International ENGLAND 6 -v- SWITZERLAND 0 With Albion's biggest match of the season so far, just around the corner, I am talking of course of the impending 'black country' derby against the Wolves, which Albion 'legend' Cyrille Regis likened to a 'war of attrition', it is perhaps time to reflect back to the late 1940's when two prominent stars of each side, linked together 'as one' on International 'duty' for their country.. Just before Christmas in 1948, the 'mighty' England entertained Switzerland in an International friendly at Arsenal's Highbury ground. Back in those days , Wembley was not necessarily the first choice of the Football Association for representative games, and grounds like Highbury, Stamford Bridge, Goodison Park and Maine Road Manchester were used. Read more by clicking here >>

That Was The Month That Was

When we saw the fixtures, it was obvious we were going to have a pretty tough opening month. Other than being away at Manchester United instead of at home, you couldn't have had a more difficult two games to kick off with, so realistically none of us really expected too much from those two games.

Being optimistic you might have looked for a point from the home game, but losing both games was no great surprise.

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FORMER PLAYERS GOLF DAY 2011!

A replica from last year in many ways with excellent weather, a golf course in superb condition, 22 teams entered and everyone enjoying themselves immensely – what more can anyone want from a Golf Day. Walsall Golf Club hosted once again the Former Players Golf Day and once more our thanks must go to Richard Lambert for his help, to Jayne the Secretary for making everything go smoothly from the administrative side, to the Caterers who provide us with such an excellent meal and to the Groundstaff for providing such a testing course. Also whoever provides the weather we thank you because another year without worrying about an umbrella.

To read more click here >>

David Shaw David Shaw was a prolific goal-scorer with Oldham Athletic, in the early 1970's, and Albion manager Don Howe signed the 25 year old striker, in an effort to keep Albion in the First Division. Unfortunately, it wasn't to be, and Albion were relegated to Division two. However in his two and a half year spell at the Hawthorns, Shaw went on to score 20 goals in 96 appearances, before Johnny Giles replaced the sacked Howe. He then returned from whence he came, to Oldham, where he enjoyed another three years goal-scoring for the 'Latics'. I first asked David about his £77,000 move to West Bromwich Albion from Oldham in March 1973. Read more by clicking here >>

Former Albion skipper Graham Williams, was joined by '1964 hat-trick' hero Micky Fudge, as guests of the club for last Saturdays final home game of the season against Everton. Both men have 'close connections' with the visitors. Graham of course was captain of Albion when they won the cup against Everton at Wembley in 1968. Micky famously crashed in a hat-trick against the toffees in 1964,to scupper their hopes of a second successive league Championship. They are pictured here with Former Players Association stalwarts Geoff Snape and Norman Westbury. Read the match report by clicking here >>

John `Dixie´ Deehan In September 1979, 'Big Ron' Atkinson, the then manager of Albion, needed a striker to compliment the likes of Cyrille Regis, Ally Brown and Tony Brown. He looked no further than 4 miles down the Witton Road, to Villa Park, to pay £424,000 for the services of John 'Dixie' Deehan. John, who had joined Villa as a youngster back in 1973, signed professional terms for Villa in 1975, and made his name at the club scoring no fewer than 51 goals in his 130 plus appearances. 'Dixie' made his a debut for Albion that same month, on 22nd September against Spurs at White Hart Lane, in a 1-1 draw. Read full article by clicking here >>

THANK YOU! Barratt Homes launched there new Housing Development last Saturday (16th April) in West Bromwich. Tony Brown and Brendon Batson helped perform the opening ceremony in conjunction with Barratt Midlands Managing Director & Sales Director. All the homes are named after a Former Legend, these include "The Wilsons, The Browns, The Batsons, The Regis, The Williams, The Astle, The Clements, The Barlow, in fact approximately 20 Former Players have homes named after them. This Development for Barratt is an on-going 9 year commitment. The Former Players Association are proud to be so strongly linked with Barratt Homes.

Robert 'RAB' Rogers (1932-2011) The Former Players Association and the London Supporters Club regret to announce the death of life-time Albion supporter Robert Rogers, following a six month battle with cancer. Read more clck here >>

Bob Wilson Charity Bike Ride Cycling 500 miles to every Premier League Club in England is what Arsenal legend, Bob Wilson, is taking on, aged almost 70, setting off on Monday April 18. Bob will cycle to each of the 20 Premier League clubs, plus Scotland's Hampden Park, meeting old friends and rivals along the way, and aims to raise more than £250,000 for his charity, the Willow Foundation. Read more clck here >>

An evening to honour the service of Dave Matthews with the club- 50 years service as kitman Click here for more images and to read more about the evening >>

28 former players were the guests of the club, for the match against Blackpool at The Hawthorns on Saturday 15th January. The stars of the past, gathered in the Richardson suite for their Annual General Meeting, which was chaired by Ray Wilson. The 'Team Line-up' was as always a formidable one and read from left to right....Back row; Keith Smith, Stewaqrt Woolgar; Joe Mayo; Bob Ward; Derek Monaghan; Steve Lilwall; Lyndon Hughes; Gordon Nisbet; Ray Wilson; Jimmy Cumbes; Peter Freeman; Jack Lovatt; David Butler; Ian Edwards; Nicky Cross; Bruce Collard; Colin Addison; Norman Westbury Stan Jones; Front Row seated...left to right:..Alec Jackson; Jack Bannister; Ken Hodgkisson; Roy Horobin; Brian Whitehouse; Brian Richardson; Brian MacCready; Mickey Fudge and Charles Drury . To view more pictures of the day click here.

About Old Baggies

The West Bromwich Albion Former Players Association was founded in 2003. The Association started following a conversation between two former players Brendon Batson MBE, then Managing Director of West Bromwich Albion and Graham Williams, captain of the 1968 Cup Winning Team.


A meeting was held at the Belfry Hotel in May that year when a committee was formed to organise the Association. The initial committee was made up of three former players Graham Williams, Alistair Robertson, Nicky Cross and two long suffering supporters Norman Westbury and Geoff Snape. Read more...