Lifetime achievement award for West Brom legend Brendon Batson
Albion great Brendon Batson has received a lifetime achievement award for his work in fighting for racial equality in football.
The former defender – part of the Baggies’ famous Three Degrees alongside Cyrille Regis and Laurie Cunningham – was presented with the 2019 Sporting Equals Lifetime Achievement Award at a ceremony at the weekend, writes Daniel Holes.
Batson made 220 appearances for the Baggies between 1978 and 1984 as well as representing England’s B team 3 times.
He also helped to break down barriers when racism was rife in the game, during his time as a player as well as working with the Professional Footballers’ Association and a number of anti-racism organisations – including a stint as chairman of the Sporting Equals project, which is based in Birmingham.
“As the former chairman of Sporting Equals I’m very proud to be here, and it’s nice to be among some old friends who I haven’t seen in a while,” said the Grenada-born hero.
“I’m very flattered to be picking up the Lifetime Achievement Award.”
Batson, aged 66, was an icon of black participation in football and praised current England star Raheem Sterling, who also received a Sporting Equals award as Sportsman of the Year, for paying for hundreds of children from his old school to watch Manchester City’s FA Cup semi-final victory over Brighton on Saturday.
“I think he’s made a fantastic gesture at the match, inviting over 500 kids from his old school,” said Batson.
