Memories of West Bromwich Albion's Great FA Cup Run in 1978

West Brom Bag the FA Cup in 2018

Mid February in days gone by would signify 16 teams daring to dream of a good cup run and an appointment under the famous twin towers come the month of May. The beginning of the year would see John Motson don his famous sheepskin coat, as he went in search of a potential banana skin, akin to Edgar Street and Hereford United’s ultimate giant-killing act and heaping great humiliation on their illustrious top tier opponents from St James’ Park.

Sadly, in these days where the Premier League reigns supreme, third round day signifies a rare opportunity for the reserve players of many top tier and second tier clubs to strut their stuff in front of the Match of the Day cameras. The world’s most famous club competition may have lost some of its sparkle, but the stark reality remains that it is probably one of only two competitions alongside the League Cup to give it it’s original name, that most clubs have any chance of winning!

While the wise money of shrewd investors will veer towards the top six clubs, certain less fashionable clubs in the top flight will fancy their chances of repeating the success of Portsmouth and Wigan in recent years. In my humble opinion, the Baggies from the black country, who ply their trade at the Hawthorns, appear to have great omens on their side, given that this particular year ends with the number 8.

The black country club came into existence in 1878 as West Bromwich Strollers formed by workers from the Salter’s Spring Works. A decade into their life as a fledgling football club they won the FA Cup beating Preston North End 2-1. In the same year the Strollers were among the 12 original members of the Football League.

Their pinnacle came on Wembley’s hallowed turf in May 1968, on the occasion of their tenth FA Cup final appearance,  when a solitary Jeff Astle goal in extra time proved sufficient to lower Everton’s colours, just a couple of years before Harry Catterick’s men won the first division league title. 

Ten years later in 1978, Big Ron was at the helm, threatening the dominance enjoyed by the more fashionable clubs in the three domestic competitions. Few can forget the heroic image of John Wile with his head bandage covered in blood, inspiring his troops to a massive effort against Bobby Robson’s polished outfit from Suffolk, during a fascinating semi final contest at Highbury. Just like this year’s fourth round, a major Lancashire outfit in the shape of Manchester United were put to the sword with a 3-2 win.

The Albion under Ron Atkinson became trail blazers during this period, when the Three Degrees, namely Regis, Batson and Cunningham became pioneers and paved the way for future talented black players to exhibit their talents on English football’s premier stage. Continuing this pioneering spirit, the Baggies became the first English club to visit China and Hong Kong. A visit to see the Great Wall will forever be associated with John Trewick’s tongue in cheek comment captured by a BBC film crew as footage for a ‘World About Us Documentary’, “once you’ve seen one wall, you’ve seen them all!”

Therefore as the Albion prepare to lock horns with Southampton, Baggies supporters can rest assured that another great run is very much on the cards this year, with a repeat of their heroics half a century ago more than a distinct possibility!

Aled Evans