Club News

Sandwell's new signing!

Celebration statue unveiled outside The Hawthorns

A special sign promoting ‘The Celebration’ statue has been unveiled outside The Hawthorns. 

The ‘Welcome to Sandwell’ sign depicts Baggies heroes Cyrille Regis, Brendon Batson and Laurie Cunningham celebrating a goal.

It is the same pose that will be used in the statue which will be unveiled in West Bromwich town centre next summer.

The boundary sign is poignantly positioned outside of West Bromwich Albion’s Hawthorns stadium where the three players made a name for themselves in the late 1970s.

During this time they became pioneers, paving the way for future black footballers to play at the highest level in the English game.

Regis and Batson were on hand to unveil the new sign and were joined by Mayor of Sandwell and lifelong Baggies fan Councillor Linda Horton.

Cyrille said: “The sign looks fantastic and it’s great to see the project take another step forward towards next year’s unveiling.

“This is not about Brendon, Laurie and me, but it represents the journey and progression made by black footballers and the acceptance and encouragement shown by Albion fans and supporters everywhere.”

Councillor Horton added: “It’s a great advert not only for the new town centre where the statue will be, but for all of Sandwell. 

“We are extremely proud to have these players representing the borough and I am sure people will come from far and wide to see the statue once it has been unveiled next summer.

The sign also features an advert for Odeon, West Bromwich’s brand new cinema which is located in New Square - the home of the statue. 

Fundraising for the initiative is being led by Black Country businessman Jim Cadman.

If you’d like to get involved, please contact Jim on 07971 624627 or email jwc@celebrationstatue1979.com