The author still attends matches (East Stand) I?ve deleted his name.

?I know I?ve posted this before, but I?m bored, so I?ll bore you with it again.
Sorry?.

A Manchester United supporter once said to me "I support the best, why would you follow Albion when you could follow a team that have won everything." This was my answer...
I support West Bromwich Albion. I was born into them.
I live 6 miles from the Hawthorns I have been going over seventy six years. I saw the first match they had under floodlights against Chelsea where my hero Ronnie Allen scored. I've seen China there I've seen them play the Russian army celebrating the new flood lights. I've stood in snow and fog. I've seen the great Stanley Matthews. I've seen the ground transformed many times.
I've listened intently as my father enthused about the 1931 cup side when he was six**** years old.
I was there in 1950 among the most fans ever seen at the Hawthorns for a league game.
I've seen Duncan Edwards, Danny Blanchflower , Len Shackleton. Tom Finney, Nat Lofthouse, Bobby Charlton play there, and many more. I've walked to the ground while talking to Dennis Law. I've gasped at the skill of George Best.
I've seen Jackie Milburn strut his stuff for Newcastle
I've grown from a boy to a man idolising Ronnie Allen and Ray Barlow. I've seen all the 1966 World Cup winners play at the Hawthorns. I've stood and sat in every part of the ground.
The ground that is the highest in the land above sea level. I've seen them play in the third division. Ive been passed over the heads of the adults down to the front. I've sat on the grass at the side of the goals in 1954. Ive seen the team play at my local cricket club, where the great Bobby Robson treated me to an ice cream when I was fif**** years old.
Ive seen the 3 degrees take abuse from racist crowds. Answered in the poise and majestic grace of Laurie Cunningham. The power and strength of Cyrille Regis and the calm displays of Brendan Batson.
Ive smelt the pipe smoke, I've stood with the away supporters as a kid and felt no danger and not heard a swear word. Before the idiotic violence reared its ugly head.

I've seen Wolverhampton Wanderers become champions, In fact I must have seen them over a hundred times. But they could never steal the love I have for the stripes.

I saw jack Vernon and Dave Walsh but to be honest I can't remember too much of them.
Saw the 5:3 win at Manchester United and the 6: 3 win at the Albion.
Seen Johnny on the spot Nicholls poach many goals, and got to know him when I was older.
I've cheered wee Willie Johnston 🎶on the wing, on the wing🎶

I've seen men faint by being crushed. I've seen Astle leap majestically in the air to head home. I've seen Ronnie Allen take penalties with both feet. I've seen the great bomber Brown slice through the defence to nearly break the net.
I've seen Ray Barlow command game after game. I've seen Joe Kennedy amazingly denied a cap for England.
Nothing but nothing can beat being born in The Black Country and supporting the blue and white stripes. I?ve made life long friendships with other Albion fans. And made friends with ex players and sometimes their families..
Albion is an old name for England. And that's what we are. West Bromwich Black Country England. They can keep your Manchester clubs. Long live the Baggies.

PS. The great Duncan Edwards, the Dudley born lad died 67 years today.