Albion legends turn out for kitman
Friday 25th March 2011, 2:45PM GMT.
A who’s who of Albion history returned to the Hawthorns to help veteran kitman Dave Matthews celebrate half a century with the Baggies.
More than 40 former players and managers attended a special dinner to mark 65-year-old Matthews’ 50 years with the club.
Tthe night ended with surprises for Matthews, who was inducted as an honorary member of the Albion Former Players’ Association, and for his trusted laundry lady Maureen Brookes, who was presented with the Jeff Astle Memorial Trophy for her 25 years’ service.
Former managers Johnny Giles, Ron Atkinson, Ossie Ardiles and Tony Mowbray joined current boss Roy Hodgson at the event, while the army of ex-players included Tony ‘Bomber’ Brown, John Wile, Cyrille Regis and Derek Statham.
Mowbray led the tributes, telling the hundreds of guests: “For me it’s not just about Dave as a professional, it’s about Dave as a man.
“He is a genuine, humble guy who gets on with his job and doesn’t ask for any plaudits, but is brilliant at what he does.”
Another Hawthorns legend, Ally Robertson, said: “When I started at the club my duties as an apprentice included work in the laundry, so Dave was my boss.
“He was the hardest boss I have ever worked for but he was also the nicest and he deserves all these tributes.”
Former players’ association chairman Brendon Batson made Matthews an honorary member of the organisation.
Matthews, a boyhood Baggies fan, said: “I have managed to turn my hobby into my job and my way of life and I feel very fortunate.
“I have worked with some fantastic people and some of the great players of the club and it’s been a privilege.”
The evening had a surprise in store when Laraine Astle, widow of the late Baggies legend, handed over the trophy to a shocked Maureen.
The award is presented each year by the Astle family.
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