Albion legend Tony 'Bomber' Brown chips in to open club's lounge

After enjoying a meal with fellow players, they would walk to The Hawthorns surrounded by supporters before taking to the pitch for matches in the 1960s.

Decades later and fans are lucky to catch a glimpse of their heroes through the tinted windows of sports cars – but 'that's just football today for you', says Mr Brown, who appeared at the golf club yesterday to open the refurbished clubhouse lounge.

Mr Brown, who holds the league scoring record for the Baggies with 218 goals between 1963 and 1980, said: "I say good luck to them now.

"I know a lot of people get upset over the money they earn, but whatever job you do in life, if people are going to pay that much to see you, why shouldn't they take it?

"It is a different world in football today, though – I remember starting playing at the club and only the senior players had a car, many of us had to walk or get the bus in."

Mr Brown, who now does Albion commentary for radio, described the new lounge at the golf club as 'superb'.

He said: "We had many good memories here. Not only do I remember eating here before games, but also running across the course for our cross country runs.It's nice to see the place being so well looked after by the club."

During their time at West Bromwich Albion, Bobby Robson and Don Howe would also eat at the club. The golf club employed Wolverhampton-based firm Blyth Group to carry out the £78,000 revamp.

It has seen the lighting replaced, walls repainted and new carpets laid down. The lounge includes a quiet members room and a function area.

The golf club hopes the refurbishment will result in more event bookings such as weddings.

Clubhouse chairman Kelvin Clarke said: "The clubhouse was looking a bit tired and old fashioned so we decided to invest some money in doing the place up. We're delighted with how the place is looking now."

Club captain Phil Brewerton said: "We're also pleased to get Tony Brown to the opening. in the 1960s the players would come here for lunch before games and for corporate events so its good to get an old player coming back here again."

The golf club, located off Birmingham Road, was established in 1895 and has 525 members. The clubhouse was rebuilt in 1996.