Classic Albion

West Bromwich Albion 1977-78. Some real talent in this squad, who would qualify for Europe that season. No idea where Ally Robertson has got to. #wba

Darren Moore scores the opener in the last game of the 2001-02 season against Palace, a day when Albion would secure a return to top-flight football after an absence of 16 long years. “Big Dave” was a cult hero and the final piece added to Megson’s jigsaw that season. #wba

Albion history maker Tony Brown, seen here playing for “Brazil” in the early 70s. This was the first yellow and green Albion change kit. The green stripes were added later. The blue shorts remained for a while and were worn at Oldham when Albion were promoted in 1976. #wba

Albion’s Garry Thompson salutes the crowd after scoring another goal in 84-85. Cryrille’s departure was a shock, but the added responsibility brought out the best in Thommo. Superb in the air, great close control and powerful, he was a phenomenal target man that season. #wba

Millwall verdict and player marks here. #wba classicalbion.substack.com/p…

Derek McInnes wheels away after scoring the winner in a 1-0 win over Crystal Palace in September 2000. McInnes would miss much of that season through injury, but returned the following year to lead Albion to automatic promotion. A true skipper and leader. #wba

Captain John Wile leads out Albion in East Germany in September 1979. Defeats in both legs against Carl Zeiss Jena meant that we exited the UEFA Cup at the very first hurdle. There were to be no glamorous European ties that season. #wba

Albion fans in “whistles and flutes” behind the goal at Loftus Road in 2000. Albion drew 0-0 and secured a valuable point. This was not a great season by any stretch, but the end of season run under Megson laid the foundations for promotion a couple of years later. #wba

Super Bobby Taylor salutes the BRE after scoring on his debut against Brentford in 1992. Bob was signed following a fan protest after a 3-2 capitulation to Swansea and would spend the next decade writing his name into Baggies folklore. A true Baggies hero #wba

Southampton thoughts and player marks here. classicalbion.substack.com/p…

Martyn Bennett equalises for Albion against United in a 3-1 home win early in the 82-83 season. Wins against United at The Hawthorns felt routine in that era - and met with extra glee after Ron Atkinson’s defection. Bryan Robson had opened the scoring for the visitors. #wba

Ron Atkinson’s Albion line up for a home game in the early 80s. The only weak spot in this squad at this time in my opinion was the second striker. The majority were as good as anything that the top flight could offer in that era #wba

Wembley. May 1968. #wba

Jerome Thomas and Gareth McAuley congratulate Jonas Olsson after his equalising header at the Holte End in 2011. Albion went on to win 2-1 thanks to a Paul Scharner winner. Apart from a 0-0 draw against the same opponents, Albion won every local derby in 2011-2012. #wba

In the 70s, Albion produced the complete footballer. Bryan Robson had a skill set which surpassed all. Scorer of screamers and back heeled double nutmegs. Terrific passer and tackler, once said his best position was centre-back. Any club would’ve struggled to replace him. #wba

Today's player rankings vs West Ham; ⭐️⭐️⭐️ Everyone who started ⭐️⭐️ The subs who came on ⭐️ The subs who didn't come on Excellent display.

“We’ve got Willie, Willie, Willie, Willie Johnston on the wing, on the wing.” Quick, skilful, unplayable when on form. Willie lit up The Hawthorns during a seven year stay. Once bought a greenhouse whilst taking a corner. May have had a bit of a temper. #wba

Correction - Steve had his follow-up effort saved, he didn’t take the penalty.

Steve MacKenzie signed for Albion on the back of scoring for Man City in the 1981 FA Cup Final. He was an attacking midfielder with a rocket of a right foot and scorer of spectacular goals. Missed a penalty against Albion for Charlton in the infamous Tony Ford/puddle game #wba

Colin Anderson at a corner kick in 1986-87. Signed as a left-back in the mid-80s slump, he was a key man at left-wing in the brief Talbot-inspired renaissance of 88-89. Cultured left foot, reliable set-piece taker, but “lacked a yard of pace”. #wba