CLUB legend Brendon Batson has received another salute for his distinguished career as he nervously awaits to make another Albion “debut” tomorrow.
Brendon has been awarded an honorary degree by Warwick University in recognition of his contribution to football and will be presented with his doctorate at a presentation ceremony in January.
That will be plain sailing for Brendon, who has been presented with both MBE (2001) and OBE (2015) by the Queen, compared to the test which awaits him on Thursday night when he makes his stage debut in the Sandwell Academy show “1978.”
Brendon has agreed to make a cameo appearance in the performance which sees the performing arts students at the Academy give their take on the story of the Club’s iconic “Three Degrees” team from 40 years ago.
For the past 18 months, the pupils have been researching and writing the production which will be premiered tonight in front of, among others, Head Coach Darren Moore and Julia Regis.
But Thursday’s showing will carry the bonus feature of an appearance from one of the men whose story will form the central theme of the production.
“Presentations I can handle but a stage appearance is not something I’ve ever done before so I’m a little nervous about it,” he said.
“But it should be fun. The award from Warwick University is a very kind gesture and while I am always surprised about this sort of thing, I am obviously delighted and very grateful.”
There’s still the chance to see Brendon and the “1978” show at the Academy on Thursday. Tickets cost just £5 and can be purchased from the Club at the main ticket office.