West Brom captain is proud of 'Astle Day'

Captain Darren Fletcher has spoken of his pride at the prospect of leading out West Brom in 1968 retro kit in tribute to Hawthorns legend Jeff Astle.

The former Manchester United midfielder will skipper the Baggies against Leicester on April 11 as they help their former striker's family launch the Jeff Astle Foundation.

And the club have secured permission from the FA to don replica kit from the 1968 FA Cup final – Astle's finest hour – including the removal of all branding, sponsors' names and squad numbers.

Fletcher, as the club launched 'Astle Day,' said: "Every once in a while a player comes along who takes a special place in the hearts of supporters.

"Jeff was one of those players. For West Bromwich Albion, a blue '9' on a white shirt only means one player. Now we are going to see that famous old kit one more time.

"I have only been at the club for a relatively short time but I am already aware of the presence of Jeff Astle.

"As club captain it will be a great honour to lead the team out that day."

The Astle Foundation will promote care of other sufferers and research and education into CTE (chronic traumatic encephalopathy).

It's the brain condition that claimed Astle's life in 2002 at the age of just 59 and plunged the Baggies into mourning.

Fletcher's former Manchester United team-mate and Sky Sports pundit Gary Neville has also given his support to the foundation.

Neville said: "When you listen to Jeff's story, it stops you in your track and makes you think about your own family and future. It puts football into perspective.

"Claire and Dawn lost a father, not a footballer and I support them in the setting up of the Jeff Astle Foundation."

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