SYNOPSIS

As founder members of the Football League way back in 1888, West Bromwich Albion must be regarded as one of the forerunners of football as we know it today.

The many millions who have soaked up the fiercely competitive atmosphere of Saturday afternoon soccer over the years, must be indebted to the foresight of Albion and the eleven other clubs from the Midlands and North who are largely responsible for the organised game in this country.

The origin of the club, which has its roots planted firmly in the Black Country, is outlined in this book by Ray Matts. The men who have been synonymous with the club's development are highlighted-so, too, are the present-day players on whom Albion's future depends.

The Hawthorns club has gained many achievements but it is as cup-fighters extraordinary that it has found its place most often in the record books. Five times F.A. Cup winners, 10 times finalists and 17 times semi-finalists they are renowned the world over for their knock-out exploits.

The West Bromwich Albion book takes a look at the various aspects of a First Division side - focusing on men like Jeff Astle, John Osborne, John Kaye, Bobby Hope, Doug Fraser and Colin Suggett.

The thousands of West Bromwich supporters both in the Midlands and elsewhere will find this book not only informative but full of absorbing reminiscences of matches and personalities they still talk about.