Lady Barbara Millichip passes away

Lady Barbara Millichip, wife of former West Bromwich Albion chairman Sir Bert Millichip, has died in hospital in Worcester, aged 88.

Lady Barbara was an honorary life member of the club and was a regular attendee at The Hawthorns, even after the death of Sir Bert in 2002.

Sir Bert was also a long-serving chairman of the Football Association.

Albion announced the news in a statement that said the club was "deeply saddened".

Lady Barbara passed away after a short illness on what would have been her late husband's 101st birthday.

Baggies chairman Jeremy 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."

Sir Bert chaired the club from 1974 until 1983.

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He later become president of the club and was chairman of the FA between 1981-96.

Tony 'Bomber' Brown, Albion'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."

Lady Barbara leaves a son Peter and daughter Sally and grandchildren Charlie and Jenny. Funeral arrangements will be announced later.