Sir Bert Millichip has died

18 December 2002

Albion President and former Chairman Sir Bert Millichip has died at the age of 88. He collapsed suddenly while attending a function in town and was rushed to Selly Oak hospital where he died at 3pm. He was not known to be suffering from any major illness, and in fact had still been regularly attending Albion's home games.

Bert was Albion Chairman during their great era during the late seventies, when they competed in Europe and were the first Western club to tour China. He chaired the FA for 15 years - from 1981 to 1996 - in the process overseeing England's bid to host the European Championships. Acting FA Chief Executive David Davies said of Sir Bert:

"Sir Bert was one of the greatest servants of English football both at home and in many countries around the world. He was unfailingly kind, approachable and such a polite man. The fact that he was never challenged in all of those years says something about th esteem in which he was held."

"He will be missed by everybody. Our thoughts are with Lady Barbara, his wife, and with his children."

Aston Villa Chairman Doug Ellis was present at the function, held at Edgbaston Golf Club, and revealed how guests had tried to revive Sir Bert after his collapse, but without success. Graham Taylor, who managed England under Sir Bert's Chairmanship said:

"He was a great ambassador fot football. He was a tireless worker on behalf of the FA and his chosen club, West Bromwich Albion."

Previous Stories:

  08 December 2002:  FA Cup: Bradford at home

  07 December 2002:  Turner goes Danish

  03 December 2002:  Alan Ashman R.I.P.

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