FOREWARD

Once every generation or so, a footballer arrives at the Albion who the fans instantly take into their hearts. It is difficult to define what makes that sort of player. Goals help - the more the better - but character, determination, and an empathy with the club and its supporters are just as important.

Jeff Astle was that player in the Sixties. Bob Taylor was that player in the Nineties. His goals brought light in the darkness that were the 'Wilderness Years' at West Bromwich Albion. He brought promotion to the club in 1993 when it had sunk to its lowest level, he helped keep them up again almost every year after that and, when he returned from Bolton in 2000, kept them up again. He got them to the Play-offs in 2001 and won them promotion to the Premiership in 2002. This book, written to commemorate Bob's Testimonial Season, in 2003, tells Bob's story, from Horden Colliery Welfare, to the Premiership. I hope you all - Bristol City, Leeds, Bolton and Albion fans alike - enjoy reading it.

Glenn Willmore
March 2003