West Brom stars back new play honouring Jeff Astle - WATCH
Three former West Brom stars have reunited ahead of a play based on the life of Jeff Astle.
Tony ‘Bomber’ Brown, Ally Robertson and Dennis Clarke met up at the Hawthorns to discuss their memories of the former Baggies number nine.
The trio were interviewed by Mike Howl, a professional playwright and director who is putting together The Jeff Astle Story, which he describes as ‘a a tribute to Jeff, his life and his career’.
The play will be performed at Birmingham’s Crescent Theatre in Brindleyplace from May 24 to 27.
WATCH: West Brom legends on Jeff Astle
Mike said: “Some of their stories are very, very funny. I was there 50 years ago when Jeff scored in the FA Cup final and making the play is bringing all the memories back.”
The much-loved forward scored 174 goals in 361 games for the club – including the winning goal at Wembley against Everton.
All proceeds from the production will go to the Jeff Astle Foundation, set up by his daughter Dawn to help people with head injuries resulting from playing sport.
Mike said: “We’ve got just under three weeks to go and the rehearsals have gone well. The actors feel privileged, it’s very special for them. The actors realise this guy was an icon.
“I was there 50 years ago when Jeff scored in the FA Cup final. If someone had said to me then that I would be writing a play on him then I wouldn’t have believed them.”
He added: “It’s almost surreal. For younger people its something from the history of the club they might not know about.”
