West Brom set to pay tribute to Sir Alex Ferguson
West Brom are preparing to pay their tribute to Sir Alex Ferguson when he manages Manchester United for the last time.
The United boss will end his 26-year reign at Old Trafford when the champions finish their Premier League season at the Hawthorns on May 19.
An option would be a guard of honour but there are no such plans in place yet, as the football world digests the news of Ferguson's retirement.
And, with the world's media expected to invade the Hawthorns, security is expected to be tightened with global interest now on the game.
With United having wrapped up a 13th Premier League title – after a 3-0 win over Villa last month – and Albion set for a mid-table finish, the game was not initially as big.
But Ferguson's announcement has given it a whole different dynamic with former Baggies star Michael Appleton revealing his surprise at today's news.
Appleton played under Ferguson at Old Trafford between 1994 and 1997 – and made two League Cup appearances.
His route into the first-team was blocked by David Beckham and Paul Scholes. He left for Preston before joining West Brom in 2001.
He stayed at the Hawthorns as a coach after a knee injury ended his career prematurely.
He said: "I'm a little bit surprised but there won't be anyone who will be able to repeat the achievements and success he has had in the last 25 years. That says it all."