Baggies kings back at Hawthorns

Albion's FA Cup heroes of 1968 were reunited again last night at a dinner to celebrate the 40th anniversary of their Wembley victory.

Check out our photo gallery of the night's celebrations below AND find out what the greats from that Albion Cup day are doing now on the last page!

Former players joined supporters in a night of nostalgia to remember the Cup run that ended with a famous 1-0 victory over Everton courtesy of Jeff Astle's extra-time winner.

Current manager Tony Mowbray and skipper Jonathan Greening attended the event at The Hawthorns along with club directors as well as ex-Baggies stars Ally Robertson and Brendon Batson.

There was also a moment's silence to remember the squad members who have passed away - John Osborne, Jeff Astle and manager Alan Ashman.

Record goalscorer Tony 'Bomber' Brown recalled how a stroke of fortune in the third round tie at Colchester had saved Albion from an early exit.

"Right at the death Colchester scored and we thought we were out, John Talbut picked the ball up and kicked it out of the ground in disgust," he said.

"For some reason, and I still don't know why, the referee disallowed it and we got away with it. We had a bit of luck but that's what you need to win competitions."

And the fifth round win at Portsmouth also provided lasting memories.

Brown added: "I remember their manager saying 'if West Brom won the Cup he would eat his hat'. We all wanted to send a hat each to this manager at Portsmouth but Alan said no!"

Skipper Graham Williams added: "John Talbut came through and clattered a guy and put him in the stand.

"Suddenly the community policeman has run to him and started hitting him - and this is the guy that's supposed to be stopping fights!"

The night was organised by the former Players' Association and the team of '68 were presented with a commemorative bowl by Lady Barbara Millichip, wife of the late Albion president Sir Bert Millichip.

Ian Collard, who lined up in midfield against Everton with Tony Brown and Bobby Hope, said: "It's been the highlight of my year.

"I have been looking forward to seeing Clive Clark for years and years. I didn't think he would recognise me and he did and I was thrilled to bits."

Hope added: "It's great to see all the lads again. I see one or two at golf days but last night was a bit special.

"We still have the same banter as we used to have in the dressing room, it shows how much spirit we had.

"To see all the supporters as well and how we are still appreciated is very good." Dennis Clarke, who was the first FA Cup final substitute, added: "It was exactly what I expected. It was always a very close-knit team between youngsters and mature players and that was the success of the team.

"The fact Clive Clark was there was a fantastic boost and I wish him and West Brom every success."

John Kaye added: "It was a fantastic turnout and it's great to see all the ex-players again."nextpage

The 1968 heroes, top: Stuart Williams (trainer), Jeff Astle, John Talbut, John Osborne, John Kaye, Graham Lovett, Doug Fraser. Front: Ian Collard, Tony Brown, Graham Williams, Alan Ashman (manager), Bobby Hope, Clive Clark. nextpage

The surviving heroes of that 1968 team pictured last night, back from left: Doug Fraser, John Kaye, John Talbut, Graham Lovett and kitman Dave Matthews. Front: Clive Clark, Ian Collard, Graham Williams, Bobby Hope, Tony Brown, Dennis Clarke and Stuart Williams at The Hawthorns.nextpage

Graham Lovett is presented with a commemorative bowl by Lady Barbara Millichip last night.nextpage

Former Albion player Bruce Collard, Sonia Collard plus husband and FA Cup winner Ian Collard.nextpage

Bobby Hope and Tony Brown enjoy a pint. nextpage

Kitman Dave Matthews, Caroline Williams and former player Stuart Williams at The Hawthorns.nextpage

Graham Williams, Lady Barbara Millichip and Clive Clark enjoy the special Hawthorns night.nextpage

Graham Williams and Bobby Hope have their hands on the FA Cup again.

All Albion pictures by David Hamilton

nextpageWhere are the Albion greats of that Cup day now?

Albion fans will remember their heroes as stars on the field but what are the class of '68 doing these days? Steve Box investigates.

Doug Fraser was a wing-half who later also played at right back. He captained Albion in the 1970 League Cup Final against Manchester City and retired in 1977 to become a prison warder. Now living in Ashby, Nottingham, Doug is retired and spends a lot of time on the golf course.

Graham Williams lifted the FA Cup as skipper of the 1968 side after having led the team to a League Cup triumph two years earlier. For the last two years he has worked for Tottenham Hotspur helping them identify players to sign.

Tony Brown is Albion's record goalscorer with 312 goals in all first-team games. Went on to work as a coach at the Baggies and Birmingham City and is now a radio pundit.

John Talbut was a centre half who went on to be player-manager at KV Mechelen in Belgium after leaving The Hawthorns. Still lives in Mechelen where he is the director of a childrenswear shop he runs with wife Ena.

John Kaye spent eight years with Albion and went off injured in the 1968 final. After finishing football he went into the hotel business but is now retired and living in Hull.

Graham Lovett survived two horrific car crashes but the injuries eventually forced him to give up league football at 26. Did play for Albion all-stars until 1985 and worked at the Express & Star. Now splits his time between England and his home in Thailand.

Ian Collard spent seven years with the Baggies as a utility player. In 1978-79 he was a coach at Kuwait Sporting Club and has also coached at the Ipswich Town academy. Now retired and living in Ipswich.

Bobby Hope made more than 400 appearances, scoring 42 goals. After finishing playing he tried management just down the road with Bromsgrove Rovers and also ran a Post Office in Boldmere. Now back at The Hawthorns as chief scout.

Clive Clark was a goalscoring winger who netted twice in the 1967 League Cup Final. During his career he had spells in America with Washington Diplomats, Dallas Tornado and Philadelphia Fury. Has suffered from ill health recently and now lives in a nursing home in Scarborough.

Dennis Clarke was the first FA Cup Final substitute when he came off the bench for John Kaye in 1968. Now enjoying living in Marbella and involved in property.

Stuart Williams played for the Baggies for 12 years but was trainer at the time of the 1968 final. He went on to be a coach and manager. He then went into the transport business and imports and exports and is now retired and living in Southampton.