[brokenmanrepaired]

True true silver, our third place was caused by our own success, a good cup run caused a fixture backlog that would not happen nowadays because of less replays and the like ...... We were forced to play catch up with too many games to close together ..... should have been our title.

The 1968 Cup winning team were a good side with a great manager in Alan Ashman. Astle Brown Hope and Clark were exceptional players that Ashman had moulded into an excellent unit with genuine hard men like Fraser and Williams protecting their talented colleagues with a dedication that went beyond the call of duty.

However THAT year when we almost won the league and ended up third was without doubt the best team I have ever seen. I looked forward to every game with an excitement that verged on religious fervour. Atkinson added a new dimension to the team created by Giles and his “champagne charley” image kept little old Albion constantly in the national news. I was once told by Ally Robertson that Atkinson’s team talks were often little more than “bugle calls” It was of little consequence as each member of that incredible team was outstanding by any measure.

Godden was a great goalkeeper as good as any of the great goalkeepers ( Hoult and Foster) we have had since. Batson was the most cultured right back I have ever seen. Statham was the best attacking left back in Europe and that he only received 3 caps is a travesty. Wile was a gnarled old fashioned centre half in the same mould as McCauley (who I also greatly admire). Robertson was without doubt the finest central defender I have ever seen. He had ten years magnificent service with us then went and spent ten years with the dingles saving them from the abyss.

Robson was the best midfielder in Europe for ten years at the baggies before he moved to Manure were he was suddenly “discovered “as the magnificent player we already knew he was. Cantello was a most underrated player. His uncompromising tackles and intelligent distribution would have guaranteed him a place in the current England team. Tony Brown is a legend, his work rate, spectacular goals from midfield and general demeanour as a “good bloke” will forever secure his place in the hearts of baggies fans of a certain age. Johnson was a great old fashioned winger primarily an entertainer guaranteed to always please the crowd. The tales of buying his greenhouse will amuse me for the rest of my life.

Regis was a magnificent centre forward whose explosive power was spectacular to see. Although he had a distinguished career at Coventry the seals and the dingles his best years were with us. Ally Brown was also an oft unappreciated talent whose unstinting work rate and intelligence made opportunities for Bomber and Regis.

However the catalyst for this magnificent unit was Cunningham. I had seen him play for Orient (I has a pal who was an orient fan) and my schoolboy friend Joe Mayo was involved in the transfer deal.

Whatever the qualities of that wonderful Albion side there is no doubt that the unique skills of Cunningham that turned us into a great side. I still have difficulties articulating the splendour and magnificence of seeing Laurie with the ball at his feet. I have seen the greats like Best and Pele play live but still consider seeing Laurie Cunningham play as the greatest highlight of my life. Seeing him collect the ball and stride with such assurance was almost sexual and am ashamed to admit I would often experience a mild erection when Laurie was on the ball. I must admit (unfortunately) I have never experienced the effect since and doubt I ever will.

So whatever ups and downs we have experienced as baggies fans with Gould Irvine and even the pragmatic but admittedly sterile days of Pulis, I will always remember those halcyon days and it ensures I retain my equilibrium as a baggies fan till the day I die.