Tributes flood in for Baggies' fan Vic Stirrup

Vic Stirrup spent a lifetime supporting his beloved West Bromwich Albion. His devotion to the Baggies even won him a national award that was featured on BBC's Match of the Day.

The Smethwick super fan's death on Friday, at at the age of 93, has brought tributes galore, with contributors including some of Albion's playing greats.

Vic, of William Road, had supported the Baggies for 87 years and had only missed a clutch of games since the Second World War.

The former newsagent's unwavering support for the club included cycling to and from the Baggies' record defeat at Stoke in 1937 and holding a season ticket from 1938 to the present day. He was even voted Barclays Fan of the Year in 2005.

The pensioner's last match at the Hawthorns was the 2-0 defeat of Wolves just last month.

Baggies record goalscoring legend Tony 'Bomber' Brown, who had known Vic for more than 40 years, paid tribute.

He said: "I am devastated because I knew Vic and had known him for a long time.

"When I played in the 60s and 70s he used to go to games with my father-in-law and I used to get them tickets.

"So we go back a long way and Vic was a real character and a total Albion fanatic.

"Every time I met him I was reminded of what a character he was so it was a big shock when I heard the news he had passed away.

"He was so well-known and well-liked at The Hawthorns, and to keep on attending the matches in recent years, when he has been in poor health, just shows how committed he was.

"He will be a great loss to everybody at the club."

Another 1968 FA Cup-winner, Bobby Hope, added: "It's really sad news. He must have been Albion's longest-serving and most committed supporter.

"I can't imagine too many people have ever supported a club for as many years as he did. I'd like to send my condolences to his family."

The club also released a statement which read: "West Bromwich Albion Football Club are deeply saddened to hear of 'super fan' Vic Stirrup's passing.

"Vic loyally followed the club through thick and thin for a staggering 87 years and was a season ticket holder since 1938.

"Vic will be sorely missed by everyone at The Hawthorns and our thoughts are with his family at this difficult time."

As a tribute, the club will lower The Hawthorns' flags to half-mast on the day of his funeral and a brick will also be laid in his memory in the forthcoming 'Baggies Brick Road' outside the East Stand turnstiles.