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My Albion memories: John Coomber

We asked for your Albion highlights. Today John Coomber, who saw his first game in 1965, reveals all.

By BHAFC • 22 April 2020

By Paul Hazlewood
Will Buckley celebrates his late winner against Doncaster Rovers.

What was your first Albion game and what do you remember about it?

As a nine-year-old I was taken in February 1965 to Albion v Chesterfield and saw a convincing 5-0 win. I remember being excited to go to a grown-up match and can clearly remember the noise being generated by the crowd inside the Goldstone. Memories of the match itself have long gone, but it cemented my lifelong support.

Who was your first Albion hero?

Norman Gall. As a youngster, he was the first Albion player to sign my autograph book and was a really lovely man. I used to wait around the side of the main stand for the players to come out after many of the games.

What has been your favourite game?

I have many memories but the one that will always be top was the first game at The Amex when we beat Doncaster 2-1. Many happy tears were shed that day.

All-time favourite Albion XI?

1 Brian Powney, 2 Stewart Henderson, 3 Wayne Bridge, 4 Mark Lawrenson, 5 Lewis Dunk, 6 Steve Piper, 7 Peter O'Sullivan, 8 Brian Horton, 9 Ian Mellor, 10 Peter Ward, 11 Dave Armstrong. Sub: Vicente.