Baggies hero Bomber Brown speaks of statue joy
Albion legend Tony 'Bomber' Brown has spoken of his excitement ahead of the unveiling of his statue at the Hawthorns.
The bronze sculpture – to be unveiled on Thursday - will take pride of place outside the East Stand to honour his unstinting 20-year service to West Bromwich Albion.
Tony spoke to the Express & Star at the opening of the new club store in Queens Square, West Bromwich, on Friday.
He said: "Plans are now in place for the statue's unveiling. There will be some ex-players there, some fans and my family, so I'm really looking forward to the whole occasion.
"When the Chairman first told me I was overwhelmed. I'm very thankful for what is truly a great honour.
"I came straight out of school when I was just 15. Not for a minute did I think this moment would come after so many years. I couldn't have expected anything like this would happen."
Between 1961 and 1981, Brown made 720 appearances for the Baggies, scoring 279 goals, both of which remain club records.
He also helped the club win the League Cup in 1966, the FA Cup in 1968 and promotion back to the top flight in 1976 before being part of club's hugely exciting team of the late 1970s.
After leaving the Hawthorns, Bomber spent a year in the United States before later signing for Torquay United.
Today, West Bromwich Albion released the first of a new video series chronicling his career
The statue, created by renowned sculptor Jonathan Wylder, has been two years in the making.
Club Chairman Jeremy Peace previously said a statue is befitting of Tony's immense contribution to the club.
He added they had ensured Tony was involved at every stage including making several trips to Mr Wylder's studio in Oxfordshire to give his opinion on the statue as it progressed.
Tony also welcomed the opening of the West Bromwich pop-up club store, which will be in place until January.
"The shop is definitely good news for the town and an excellent idea from the club," he said.
"It's good for supporters to have a shop right in the centre of the town where people do their shopping and they are able to just pop-in anytime."
Bosses at Queens Square have said the store is one of four that will be opening in the near future.
