"Astle is The King" Bridge

Jeff Astle celebrates the '68 FA Cup winner (Photo Allsport)

The tale began following Albion's 1968 triumph at Wembley. Already an Albion legend, Jeff Astle clinched his all time hero status with his extra time Wembley winner against Everton.

That very evening (18th May 1968), celebrating Albion fans painted Astle is the King across the width of the Primrose Bridge, Cradley Road, Netherton.

But in the mid 90's the bridge was threatened with demolition, and despite local protests, the bridge was indeed replaced with a horrible shiny, clean span over the Dudley Canal.

But spick-and-span, not for long. Overnight the new bridge received the Albion treatment. By morning the King's name was back where it should be. Astle is the King across the width of the Primrose Bridge, Cradley Road, Netherton.

Jeff Astle sadly died on 19th January 2002.