Bomber Brown reveals love affair with West Bromwich Albion

Jun 14 2009 by Robert Tanner, Sunday Mercury

TONY ‘Bomber’ Brown is a humble man by nature, but the Albion legend admits he found a new level of humility when Baggies fans voted in droves to recognise him with a special place on Birmingham’s Walk of Stars.

Brown came out on top of a poll of past Albion terrace heroes and he received a standing ovation at The Hawthorns at the final home game of the season when he walked out onto the turf he graced with style for so many seasons.It was a fitting tribute for a man who spent 20 years with the club after arriving as a 16-year-old apprentice from Oldham.

Brown still holds the club record of 279 goals from 720 appearances and he treasures the affinity he has with the club and supporters, and he still never misses a game.

Now aged 63, Brown is present at every Albion fixture in his role as a radio pundit.

“It was a humbling experience to be voted for by so many supporters,” he said.

“It is an achievement that I am extremely proud of.

“You don’t think about those sorts of accolades or of leaving a legacy when you are playing. You are simply doing your job but when you stop playing, things like this come up and it brings it all back.

“It is all worthwhile after being there so long and playing for the club for so many years.

“It is nice to be remembered and that my efforts were appreciated by the supporters.

“The Albion fans have always been good to me. They have never gotten on my back like some, and it continued after I stopped playing when I remained in the area.

“I attend every Albion game through my radio work; it keeps me in the game.”