PLEASE NOTE: Only forename and surname allowed. No nicknames etc.
EXPECTED RELEASE DATE- Friday 25th October
From the author, Laurie Rampling:
"In 2005, the then ‘Albion News’ Editor Dave Bowler, asked me if I would like to take over from him writing for the Former Players Association, because his work load was ever demanding, and the photography would also be well appreciated. I was of course honoured to do so, re-acquainting myself with Secretary Geoff Snape, who I had known for many years. From that day forward it has been an absolute privilege to work with so many wonderful people, all heroes and legends’ of course, along with my duties with the current Albion side at the time.
"To be ‘adopted’ by the Association and included as ‘one of their own’ was indeed a great honour and a privilege, that to this very day I take extremely seriously. Nearly twenty years on, when Geoff suggested that I should ‘pen’ a book covering my experiences behind the lens, including of course photographs of my time on the touchline, I didn’t have to dwell too long making a decision, it had been a project that I had for some time pondered so I set about selecting photographs from my archives, many I have to be honest, I cannot remember actually taking, as many have been sitting in my ‘archives’ for nearly fifty years, which in itself is very hard to comprehend.
"However, after many hours of research, I completed my project and I certainly hope that the end result is one that will resonate with ‘Baggies’ fans who actually witnessed some of these ‘golden times’ and moments at The Hawthorns, turning the clock back in a magical way, as well as introducing others to a time when there was an electric atmosphere around the ‘Shrine’ on any given match-day. It certainly sent a shiver of excitement down my spine, when compiling the images within this book, photographs that were captured in my ‘mind’s eye’ that I feel are perfect to sum up the way I felt as the shutter clicked and the action captured as I intended.
"This is my ninth ‘solo’ publication, following on from previous ‘eulogies’ to my heroes, Derek Kevan, Bobby Hope and Cyrille Regis, legendary players that will walk the Hawthorns touchlines forever. I have of also attempted to describe what I was actually thinking about at the time I was ‘snapping’ – I have also tried to re-create the atmosphere that I felt around me at the time that shutter was clicking. If I have achieved that, then I have indeed succeeded in the task that Geoff set me, bringing some terrific times back to life, and who knows, maybe a second edition in glorious colour, will be a project of the future.
"Finally, by buying this book, you are also supporting a wonderful organisation, the West Bromwich Albion Former Players Association and its wonderful members, because every penny will go to support the association’s members who need our support, because without them, we would have no memories. Thankyou!"
* With all orders for multiple fixtures, the order will be sent when the latest game is printed. Please order separately if you wish to receive your programmes sooner.
