What was my first game?
Wimbledon at home, December 1984. Albion won 2-1 with goals from Danny Wilson (pen) and Frank Worthington. I remember Frank’s shot hit the bar and rebounded off the keeper into the net to win the game. I sat in the West Stand with my Grandma, Mum and Sister and can remember the first glimpse of the pitch and the smell of the grass. And when the floodlights came on, wow!
Who was my first Albion idol?
Without doubt it has to be Garry Nelson. Barry Lloyd decided to play him up front when he signed him and what a decision that was. He struck up a fantastic partnership with Kevin Bremner and his goals led us to promotion from Division 3 at the first time of asking. I vividly remember celebrating with the players in the Goldstone West Stand having sealed second place after beating Bristol Rovers. Nelse worked so hard for every one of his goals and managed the occasional screamer. I remember one away at Notts County around Easter time when he smashed an angled drive into the top corner from way out on the left. He regularly wore the No.7 shirt, so this became the only number that I would wear for years to come when playing Sunday football because of my first footballing hero. And how pleased was I when he brought out two fantastic books about his career (still pride of place on my bookshelf).
My favourite game and why?
I have seen many crackers over the years having travelled home and away without missing a game for as long as I can remember. Most games in the promotion season 2017/18 where just phenomenal but the one that really sticks out is the 2-1 win away at QPR. Superb goals from Murray and Seb had the away end absolutely rocking. The whole stand shook when that free kick hit the net and it was at that moment that I knew we were going up. A nervy ending and backs to the wall defending after Rangers pulled one back, but like so often that season we found a way to win.
Which season stands out?
Whilst promotion to the Premier League was the pinnacle of my supporting life, the season that stands out for me has to be 1996/97. The club was on the brink of going out of the Football League - we were dead and buried. But then Steve Gritt came in and the great escape was on. So many memories - the whistle protest, Fans United, Doncaster and the end of the Goldstone, Hereford. I was there for all of it. Such a gut-wrenching, emotional rollercoaster that made the good times even more precious to me. Whenever I see Stuart Storer and Robbie Reinelt’s goals on the big screens at the Amex the hair always stands up on the back of my neck.
What are my favourite home/away shirts?
I fell in love with the Errea shirts that heralded our first season at Withdean. Both elegant, striped and emblazoned with the Skint logo. I always liked the irony of that shirt sponsorship deal! Another Dick Knight masterstroke.
My all-time Albion XI
Kuipers, Bruno, Bridge, Dunk, Foster, Vicente, Wilson, Case, Knockaert, Zamora, Murray.