The rich West Bromwich Albion FC history highlights the proud legacy of West Bromwich Albion Football Club, one of England’s most historic teams. From its early foundation to memorable league triumphs, the club has produced legendary West Bromwich Albion players who shaped its success. Their story reflects tradition, passion, and resilience in English football history.
West Bromwich Albion FC Origin
Founded
1878
Location
West Bromwich, England
Team History
1898 - Present / West Bromwich Albion Football Club
1878 - 1898 / West Bromwich Strollers
Nickname
The Baggies, The Throstles, The Albion
Although known in their early days as "the Throstles", the club's more popular nickname among supporters came to be the Baggies, a term which the club itself looked down upon for many years but later embraced. The phrase was first heard at the Hawthorns in the 1900s, but its exact origins are uncertain.
Championships
Premier League / 1
1920
FA Cup / 5
1968, 1954, 1931, 1892, 1888
Premier League - FA Cup Double / 0
Stadium
1900 - Present / The Hawthorns
1885 - 1900 / Stoney Lane
1882 - 1885 / Four Acres
1881 - 1882 / Bunn’s Field
1879 - 1881 / Dartmouth Park
1878 - 1879 / Copper’s Hill
Current Owner
2016 - Present / Lai Guochuan
*Blue is this team’s history
- 1898
- 1920
- 1970
- 2002
- 2010
- 2020
-
From Strollers to Albion in 1898
The club was founded as West Bromwich Strollers in 1878 by workers from George Salter’s Spring Works in West Bromwich, in the Black Country. They were renamed West Bromwich Albion in 1880, becoming the first team to adopt the Albion suffix; Albion was a district of West Bromwich where some of the players lived or worked, close to what is ... -
Premier League Champions in 1920
Albion won the Football League title in 1919–20 for the only time in their history following the end of World War I, their totals of 104 goals and 60 points both breaking the previous league records. The team finished as Division One runners-up in 1924–25, narrowly losing out to Huddersfield Town, but were relegated in 1926–27. In 1930–31, they won ... -
Tony Brown – club’s all-time leading scorer
Tony Brown: He is the club’s all-time leading scorer and appearance maker with 279 goals in 720 games. He joined West Brom from non-league Walsall Wood in 1961 and played for the club until 1980. He helped West Brom win the FA Cup in 1968, the League Cup in 1966 and 1970, and the Second Division title in 1976. He ... -
West Brom’s 2002 promotion
In 2002: West Bromwich Albion FC wins promotion to the Premier League for the first time in its history, by finishing second in the First Division under manager Gary Megson. The club also sets a club record of 27 league wins in a season. Jason Roberts scores 21 goals and becomes the club’s record signing for £2 million -
West Bromwich Albion FC reaches the semi-finals of the FA Cup
In 2010: West Bromwich Albion FC wins promotion back to the Premier League as runners-up of the Championship under manager Roberto Di Matteo. The club also reaches the semi-finals of the FA Cup, where it loses to Portsmouth 2–0 at Wembley Stadium. Graham Dorrans scores 18 goals and becomes one of the best players in the Championship. -
West Bromwich Albion FC wins promotion back to the Premier League
In 2020: West Bromwich Albion FC wins promotion back to the Premier League as runners-up of the Championship under manager Slaven Bilić.
To qualify as the greatest player for this team, the player must have played one season for this team. If not, we will remove the player.
* verifies that player has played for this team as an added player by a fan.
West Bromwich Albion FC History
West Bromwich Albion Football Club is one of the most historic and respected teams in English football. Founded in 1878 by workers from George Salter’s Spring Works in West Bromwich, the club’s long journey through English football has been full of achievements, challenges, and memorable moments. The West Bromwich Albion FC history reflects more than a century of passion and resilience, representing the Midlands region with pride and tradition.
In their early years, West Bromwich Albion FC became one of the founding members of the Football League in 1888. They quickly established themselves as a competitive side, reaching several FA Cup finals during the late 19th century. Their first major success came in 1888 when they lifted the FA Cup for the first time, marking the start of a golden era for the West Bromwich Albion Football Club.
The club continued to grow in reputation during the early 20th century, achieving remarkable consistency in league and cup competitions. The West Bromwich Albion players of that time became household names across England, admired for their style and sportsmanship. Over the years, the club has won five FA Cups, with their most recent victory in 1968, when they triumphed under the management of Alan Ashman. That same year, they also showcased their strength in the European arena by reaching the semi-finals of the European Cup Winners’ Cup.
During the 1950s, West Bromwich Albion Football Club reached new heights under manager Vic Buckingham. The team won the 1953–54 Division One Championship and the 1954 Charity Shield, proving their dominance in English football. Players like Ronnie Allen and Ray Barlow became legendary figures in West Bromwich Albion FC history, known for their skill, leadership, and dedication to the club.
Even through periods of relegation and promotion, the West Bromwich Albion FC players have shown remarkable resilience. The Hawthorns, their home ground since 1900, has witnessed countless iconic moments, including dramatic promotions and unforgettable victories. The 2019–20 Championship season saw West Brom return to the Premier League, marking another proud chapter in the West Bromwich Albion Football Club legacy.
Bromwich FC Achievements
FA Cup Success
One of the greatest moments in West Bromwich Albion FC history came in 1968, when they won the FA Cup by defeating Everton 1–0 at Wembley. Jeff Astle scored the decisive goal, and his performance remains iconic in the memories of West Bromwich Albion Football Club supporters.
1953–54 League Champions
The club’s triumph in the 1953–54 season under Vic Buckingham stands as one of their most historic achievements. The West Bromwich Albion players of that era displayed unmatched teamwork, securing the Division One title and finishing as one of the most exciting attacking sides of their time.
Consistency and Legacy
Across more than a century, West Bromwich Albion Football Club has won multiple major trophies, achieved numerous promotions, and built a legacy admired throughout English football. The contribution of legendary West Bromwich Albion players continues to inspire new generations as the club remains committed to reclaiming its place among the elite.
The proud West Bromwich Albion FC history represents a timeless journey of determination, community spirit, and football excellence — values that continue to define the club today.
Sports Fan Products
