Players to show club's support for appeal during next two games
ALBION will be showing their support for this year's Poppy Appeal during their next two Barclays Premier League fixtures.The shirts worn by the Baggies' 18-man squad during Monday’s televised home game against Southampton and the trip to Wigan on Saturday week will feature poppies – the logo of the Royal British Legion.
The match-worn jerseys will then be auctioned off after each game right here at the club’s official website, with all proceeds going to the Poppy Appeal. The shirts worn against Southampton will go on sale on Tuesday.
Left-back Liam Ridgewell said: "This is something the club does every year and we are pleased to play our part in promoting the Poppy Appeal and the hard work of the Royal British Legion.
“We’ll be wearing our poppies with pride as we aim to get positive results in both matches.”
Centre-half Gareth McAuley added: “We must never forget the thousands of men and women, both past and present, who have dedicated their lives to the Armed Forces.
“Their service has enabled us to enjoy the freedom we often take for granted in our everyday lives.
“The Royal British Legion’s work is as relevant as it has ever been and we hope the shirt auctions raise as much money as possible for this great cause.”
Albion are supporting the Poppy Appeal at Monday’s game as it is the closest home fixture to November 11.
The players will also be sporting poppies on their red away shirts at Wigan five days later as the fixture falls one day before Remembrance Sunday.
Members of the local Blackheath Sea & Army Cadets Unit will hold a bucket collection around the stadium at the Southampton game before heading inside The Hawthorns to line-up in a guard of honour for when the teams emerge from the tunnel. A minute's silence will also be held just before kick-off in memory of those who have lost their lives in service of their country.
Alison Bates, Community Fundraiser (South Staffordshire) for the Royal British Legion, said: “The Royal British Legion is extremely grateful for the support that West Bromwich Albion are giving the Poppy Appeal once again this year.
“We look forward to seeing the players and staff wearing their poppies with pride over the coming days.”
The Royal British Legion is the UK's leading Service charity, spending £1.7million every week on direct, practical care for serving members of the Armed Forces, veterans of all ages and their families.
The Poppy Appeal is the Legion's biggest fundraising campaign and runs year-round. Lapel poppies are available to buy in shops, supermarkets, pubs and clubs from the last week of October until Remembrance Sunday, or November 11, whichever is later in the calendar.
For further details about the Poppy Appeal, or to make a donation, visit: www.poppy.org.uk
For further details about the Royal British Legion, visit www.britishlegion.org.uk