Iconic West Brom team set to mark first anniversary of Cyrille Regis's death at The Hawthorns

Geoff Snape, chairman of the Former Players’ Association, is gathering as many members of the celebrated 1978/79 side that finished third in the First Division for the match against Norwich.

The players, who will watch the game from the Regis Suite, are due to receive their Albion caps on the pitch at half-time.

Cyrille’s children Robert and Michelle will be there to collect Regis’s cap on his behalf, while Laurie Cunningham’s niece Rhodene is coming to collect the former winger’s cap.

Next Monday marks the first anniversary of Regis’s death at the age of 59 which shocked the football world.

“It’s the closest match to the 12-month anniversary of Cyrille’s passing,” explained Snape. “It’s also 40 years since the famous Manchester United game that finished 5-3.

“We decided it would be nice if the ‘78 boys came back together. Time has flown so quickly.

“The lads still can’t believe they’re not speaking to Cyrille on a regular basis.

“They were like brothers, they fought for each other. If Cyrille got kicked, Ally (Robertson) would get him back 10 minutes later.

“The bond is still there today. That’s why Derek (Statham’s) flying back from Spain, that’s why Tony (Godden’s) coming from Cambridge.”

Former full-back Derek Statham is travelling the furthest, but he will be joined by Tony Godden, Brendon Batson, John Wile, Ally Robertson, John Trewick, and Ally Brown.

Tony Brown has already received his cap, and will be commentating on the game for BBC WM.

Len Cantello, Willie Johnston, and Bryan Robson are unable to make it, while David Mills is currently working as a scout for Leicester.

Martyn Bennett and Kevin Summerfield, who made just three appearances between them that season, have already received their caps.

Ron Atkinson was the manager of that side, but he is also unavailable. However, his assistant Colin Addison will be at The Hawthorns on Saturday.

“The core of the side will be there,” said Snape. “Cyrille was one of the biggest names in modern-day football.

“Even though he finished in the early 90s, he was still an icon for so many people.

“But his bond with this team was huge.

“Every Thursday night, they all went out to Liberties nightclub together in Birmingham.

“Big Ron said ‘I know what you’re doing, but while you’re winning, it’s ok. If you start losing, I’ll come down on you like a tonne of bricks’.”

Albion started presenting caps to every first-team player, past and present, last May.

The Baggies have had more than 900 players turn out for them throughout their 140-year history.