Full gallery and video: Albion marks Astle Day
Albion fans spoke of their fond memories of Jeff Astle as they arrived at the Hawthorns today.
Supporters who saw him play told of his great heading ability and the ease with which he scored goals.
And those who came across Astle off the pitch described him as a man of the people.
Kelvin Stokes was in his late teens when 'The King' scored the only goal of the 1968 FA Cup final.
"I remember seeing him down at the old Throstle's Club in the weeks after we won, showing off the cup" he said.
"As a player he was dynamic, a real match winner. He was always there at the right time with his head."
David Bing, a season ticket holder in the Smethwick End, said: "We never lost a night game back in the 60s.
"They just used to put the ball over and Astle was there.
WATCH: Dawn and Laraine's thoughts on Astle Day:
"When we thrashed United, that was a night game. I can't remember how many Astle scored but it was a few of them."
John Morgan, aged 78, said: "He was a great player. Tony Brown used to say what a great header of the ball he was, which was his downfall in the end.
"He was a good team man as well. The glory was never all for him."
Astle made 361 appearances and scored 174 goals for the Baggies.
The launch of the Jeff Astle Foundation will promote research and awareness into chronic traumatic encephalopathy, the serious brain condition that claimed his life at the age of just 59.
The current Baggies team are wearing replica kit from Astle's finest hour – the cup final – to mark the special occasion.
