What was your first game and what do you remember about it?
My parents took me to my first game at the Goldstone Ground. It was on Saturday 27th December 1958 against Fulham and I was 9 years old. I can remember being passed over the heads of the adults to get to the front row, in the North Stand. The largest crowd in the Goldstone’s history of 36,747 enjoyed a 3-0 win. The crowd was so large, some supporters were seated on the cinder track around the pitch - unheard of back then and impossible today!
The Fulham team included Johnny Haynes and George Cohen - both were or became England Internationals.
Looking at the kick-off time on my programme of 2.15pm the match was probably before the Goldstone had floodlights. My programme was bought from a specialist seller on eBay for £5 and considering the original price of 3d. that is a nice profit.
Who is your favourite player?
This has to be Bobby Smith, the England international, signed by Archie Macauley from Tottenham Hotspur in 1964 which was an unbelievable acquisition for a Division Four club.
I was very lucky to see Bobby play in his first match at the Goldstone, on Saturday 22nd August 1964, when the Albion beat Barrow 3-0 in front of a 20,058 crowd - Bobby scored two goals. I saw every home match in the 1964/65 season when Albion were promoted.
Your favourite game?
My favourite game is the 2-1 win against Wigan, at the AMEX, on Monday 17th April 2017. After the disappointments in previous Championship seasons, the atmosphere was electric and there was relief amongst the fans when we were promoted to the Premier League at last!
What is your favourite season as a fan?
It’s a close-run thing with the 2016/17 season but the 1964/65 season is my favourite. I saw every Goldstone match standing in the North East corner of the ground, underneath one of the floodlights in all weathers with my friends. The crowds were huge for a Division IV team too and what an atmosphere!
What is your favourite home and away shirt?
I don’t really have a favourite provided it is blue and white stripes and the players’ numbers can be seen clearly on the back. My favourite away shirt is the solid yellow one we had a few years ago.
What is your favourite all-time Albion XI?
Brian Powney, Bruno, Lewis Dunk, Steve Foster, Mark Lawrenson, Wayne Bridge, Mike Tiddy, Peter O’Sullivan, Bobby Zamora, Bobby Smith and Peter Ward.