Bomber Brown leads tributes to Lady Barbara Millichip

Lady Barbara, wife of late Albion and FA chairman Sir Bert Millichip, died in hospital in Worcester following a short illness.

Mr Brown, the club's record appearance-maker and record goalscorer, said: "It's very, very sad news because I've known Lady Barbara for many years, going back to when I was a player here.

"Back then, we tended to meet at various club functions and dinners and she was a delightful lady.

"She was a lovely person to talk to and she had that knack where, whoever she was with, she put them at their ease. She made a point of speaking to everyone and we were all charmed by her.

"With Sir Bert, they made a wonderful couple and both of them were Albion through and through.

"I think you could see that in the fact that even up to last season, she would still be coming to games.

"It was always lovely to meet up and chat about old times and we shall all miss her greatly."

Sir Bert chaired Albion from 1974 until 1983, overseeing the club's promotion from the Second Division under Johnny Giles and the emergence of their legendary team under Ron Atkinson.

He later became president of the club and was chairman of the FA between 1981 and 1996.

He died in 2002 but Lady Barbara remained a regular visitor to The Hawthorns and was often a guest of current chairman Jeremy Peace in the directors' box.

Mr Peace said: "We are all deeply saddened by Lady Barbara's passing.

"She was a wonderful lady and always welcome at The Hawthorns – she was Albion through and through and she will be greatly missed.

"Our deepest condolences go to her family."

Lady Barbara leaves a son Peter and daughter Sally and grandchildren Charlie and Jenny.