Morrison and O'Neil visit 106-year-old Albion fan
JAMES Morrison and Liam O’Neil yesterday made a surprise visit to congratulate lifelong Baggies fan Jack Jones on clocking up 106 years.
The Albion duo dropped in at Tudor Manor Care Home, Brook Street, Stourbridge, to pay their respects to Jack, who celebrated his birthday on February 12.
The retired lorry driver was born in Enville in 1908 - just 30 years after the club was founded.
He is believed to be the Baggies’ oldest living fan and the club were alerted to his football allegiances by a recent email from his close friends Peter and Anne Greaves.
Albion’s longest-serving player, James, and Baggies Academy product, Liam, were delighted to thank Jack for his decades of support by turning up in person to present him with a shirt printed with ‘Jack 106’ on the back.
Albion Chief Executive Mark Jenkins said: “When we heard about Jack we felt it was only right to congratulate him on reaching another landmark birthday and to thank him for his loyal support.
“Jack is clearly quite a character and we are honoured to call him one of our supporters.”
Midfielder James added: “It was a real pleasure and honour to meet Jack.
“I’ve been playing for the club for seven seasons now and have been through plenty of ups and downs.
“But I cannot even begin to touch on the memories Jack must have from his time supporting the club.”
Jack said: “I used to be a season ticket holder many years ago.
“My brother Fred was a centre-half and used to play for Smethwick Highfield as an Albion apprentice.
“To meet the players yesterday was out of this world and, with all the cameras around, I felt like a VIP.
“I’m more than grateful because this is something out of the ordinary!"