WILF TIBBETTS was once called ‘Mr Albion’ by an Club Director and when you realise that he has been watching his beloved Albion for more than 75 years and has served on the Supporters Club Committee for the best part of 20 years then it is not to difficult to understand just why he was given that ‘Mr Albion’ title.

Mr Albion: WILF TIBBETTS

Wilf was born in Blackheath (Rowley Regis) where he lived on a farm. (difficult to associate Blackheath with farms these days).

Sports wise Wilf played football as a junior and ran the half mile for Birchfield Harriers.

Went into the forces, army, during the war and ran for the regiment.

Came out and got married. Played football for Malt Mill United.

By trade Wilf had been had been toolsetter. However this was not going to last too long…..

Albion Galvanising (name was chosen as it was at the beginning of the alphabet and therefore first in the new telephone directories) was started by his father and uncle with £100 provided by his grandfather after the farm was sold. When his dad became ill he gave up his job to go into the business.

Even the company vehicles were blue and white! At start there were 8 employees, going up to a maximum of 100. Wilf sold the business in 1982 and admitted he really wanted to be an electrician!!!!

Wilf was introduced to watching the Albion by the family. Early memories are sitting on top of a crush barrier in the early 1930’s watching the famous promotion and cup winning team play. He also remembered listening to the 1935 FA Cup Final match with Sheffield Wednesday on the radio from a neighbours house….the only person in the street who had a radio!!!

When asked about the best the best players he had ever seen at The Hawthorns Wilf admitted that he had seen so many over the years but came down to two players from the 50’s: Joe Kennedy (nicknamed ‘Spring heeled Jack’) was one of the most skilful players Wilf ever watched, but when asked who he thought was the Greatest player he had seen wear the blue and white stripes he was in no doubt: Ray Barlow.

The lowest point was relegation to the old ‘third division’ in 1991. Wilf’s high point was the 1-1 draw at Valencia in the UEFA cup run back in 1978. (also enjoyed the 1954 cup win)

First jointed committee in late 1980s when meeting at the Oldbury British Legion.

Previously went with Don Beddard to meetings with chairman of other branches.

Other interests watching granddaughters show jumping and grandson play football, Wilf is very much a family man

When asked if there is anything he would change in football Wilf felt that he would change the offside rule and move from the half way line further up pitch.