Trip down Memory Lane: Astle is 1968 hero
By Jemma Tappenden
April 4 2008
It has been exactly forty years since Albion last lifted the FA Cup at Wembley. In 1968 Jeff Astle was well and truly the Baggies hero, now in 2008 players and fans alike will be wondering who might be the hero this time. But can the Baggies really beat the odds and bring FA Cup success back to the Midlands?
West Bromwich Albion were the underdogs in 1968 as well. As the game against Everton approached 90 minutes it was still nil nil and fast approaching extra time.
Neither side able to break the deadlock a period of extra time began, and the game was all set up for Albion's about to be hero to put himself on stage. A stunning left footed shot from 20 yards gave the Baggies a 1-0 lead, and when the period of extra time was over, the trophy. Jeff Astle had earned himself a place in the heart of Albion fans forever.
Albion will start as underdogs tomorrow too. And of course this is not the final. But the family of 'King Astle' as he affectionately became known revealed this week that their money on the new would be hero is Roman Bednar, a striker they are adamant Jeff would have admired.
There are perhaps some striking similarities too. Albion's 1968 Cup run earned Jeff Astle the title of being the only player to have ever scored in every round of the competition in the same year.
Roman Bednar can't quite boast the same record - but he has scored in every round barr Albions 5-1 victory at Bristol Rovers in the Quarter Finals. He will have to go some way to beat Astle's record of 174 goals in 361 appearances, but 17 in 28 will do for starters.
Astle will always be the king in our hearts and i will prove that soon
If and its a big if my darling fiancee gives birth to a boy then he will more than likely be called Elliot Astle Hadley
A fine tribute as an albion fan to the king in my eyes
3 more months of freedom
www.wbabaggies.co.uk
The Lords My Shepherd.
The future is bright. The future is Stripes.
www.wbabaggies.co.uk