Ally Robertson

BOOK NOW FOR BAGGIES MEMORIES

BOOK NOW FOR BAGGIES MEMORIES

Thursday 21st December will see Baggies legend Ally Robertson launch his autobiography at Aldridge Cricket Club - with the help of former Albion boss Johnny Giles and 1980s defensive stalwart Martyn Bennett. 

All three Baggies heroes will be talking about their unforgettable times with the club, and signing copies of Thou Shalt Not Pass. 

Tickets cost £10 and can be obtained from Andy Downes (07742 382449) or Ally's collaborator on the book, Bill Howell (07894 540371).

Thursday 21st December, starting at 7pm: Aldridge 'Stick and Wicket' Cricket Club, The Green, off Little Aston Road, Aldridge, West Midlands WS9 8NH.

Ally is pictured above in similarly good company at an earlier book event at the Hawthorns. Left to right: John Wile, Bryan Robson, Cyrille Regis, Ally Robertson, John Giles, Tony Brown, Joe Mayo.

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A legend at West Bromwich Albion and an icon Wolverhampton Wanderers, Alistair Robertson is a rare footballer who can walk tall either side of a bitter Black Country divide. The tough-tackling Scot spent 18 years at Albion, gaining promotion under Johnny Giles and becoming a rock during the club's heyday from the mid-1970s alongside skipper John Wile.

Ultimately Ron Atkinson's entertainers fell short, though not before they had blazed a trail at home and abroad and the likes of Cyrille Regis, Laurie Cunningham and Bryan Robson had thrilled a nation.

Robertson experienced early struggles under Don Howe and other managers earned his ire, including his nemesis Ron Saunders who forced him out of the club in tears. To rub salt into the wounds, he would miss out on a prized Scotland cap. Robertson recovered to lead an ailing Wolves to two divisional titles and a Wembley victory. But beyond the on-pitch aggression and dressing-room camaraderie, Robertson now reveals a calmer, more reflective side to his character.

The highs and lows of Alistair Robertson’s football career, which spanned two decades and the Black Country divide. Read Thou Shalt Not Pass and you will discover:

  • How Spurs tried to snap up Robertson following Scotland Schools’ win over England – closely followed by Celtic, Rangers, Chelsea and Liverpool
  • Why he blames himself for the big-game mistakes that cost Albion FA Cup, League Cup and UEFA Cup glory
  • When Robertson was almost sacked by Albion, expelled from China under a diplomatic cloud
  • The real reason Willie Johnston got caught up in a World Cup drugs scandal
  • Why rock legend Eric Clapton became such a firm fixture in Albion's Players' Lounge – and why his gold disc remains a treasured possession in Robertson’s household
  • How a drunken crash at the height of his fame almost cost him his life, overturning his car and walking home to avoid the police
  • What happened when a team of ageing Albion All-Stars turned up in Barbados to play a charity game in the mid 80s

Click here for more information, or to read a sample from Thou Shall Not Pass.