Astle Bridge setback

03 July 2002

Primrose Bridge just after Jeff's death.

Photo: Dave Watkin

A Dudley council committee has blocked the request to rename Primrose Bridge in Netherton after Albion striker Jeff Astle. The bridge has become something of a Black Country legend since the words "Astle is King" were painted on it by Albion fans after he scored the winning goal in the 1968 FA Cup final against Everton.

Ths council claim that the residents, and British Waterways, did not want to rename the bridge, that a plaque on the bridge could distract drivers and be a hazard to road safety and that more local heroes, such as champion athlete Joe Darby, should be considered for such honours first. Presumably Darby's name will provide less of a distraction to passing motorists.

But despite several efforts over the years to remove it, we here at BOING suspect that Astle's name will remain on the side of that bridge for a long, long time.

Previous Stories:

  01 July 2002:  Boardroom appointments

  01 July 2002:  Wallwork Signs!

  30 June 2002:  News roundup

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