West Brom's Youth Cup winners meeting U18s
Albion’s FA Youth Cup winning side of 1976 will meet the current crop trying to emulate their achievement at the next first-team home game.
The victorious side from 43 years ago will be guests of the Former Players’ Association for the Friday night kick-off against Birmingham City on March 29.
They will also meet Albion’s current under-18 squad that day, three days before their FA Youth Cup semi-final against Manchester City on April 1.
Legendary left-back and England international Derek Statham was part of the young Baggies team that beat rivals Wolves 5-0 over two legs in the 1976 final.
It is Albion’s only triumph in the competition to date, although they also reached the final in 1955 and 1969.
Bilston’s Mark Grew, who played 48 times for Albion before making more than 100 appearances for Port Vale, was in goal.
Kevin Summerfield, who featured seven times for the Baggies and also played for Birmingham City and Walsall, was part of that team too.
He has been Gary Rowett’s assistant at Burton Albion, Blues and Derby County.
Derek Monaghan, who played 17 times for Albion, was also part of that team.
Albion’s under-18s have reached the FA Youth Cup semi-final this season for the first time in 41 years.
In fact, the Baggies haven’t even reached the quarter-final stage since 1978,
Mike Scott’s youngsters stunned financially superior academies of Arsenal and Everton en route to a meeting with Manchester City.
The semi-final takes place at the City Football Academy in Manchester at 7pm on April 1. Tickets are £3 for adults, £1 for concessions.
Albion’s Youth Cup goalkeeper Josh Griffiths has been called up to England under-18s for three friendlies over this international break.
