Willie in full flow

ABOUT two years ago I spent some of the most enjoyable moments of my career in the company of Albion legend Willie Johnston.

I asked a few questions and let him (and two of his pals) do the talking.

He told me about Phil Neal, Ron Atkinson, disgraced sprinter Ben Johnson, Bert Millichip, his love for greenhouses, referees, Argentina, Brian Clough, Lou Macari, local pubs and a lot more besides.

I basically had an after-dinner speach without the starter, main or dessert. Classic anecdotes were mixed in with comments which simply had no chance of seeing the light of day. Our company lawyers wouldn't have allowed it.

You can see the end result of that chat here.

I also spoke to him earlier this week about his new book. You can read his reasons for putting pen to paper in tonight's Birmingham Mail.

Willie is signing copies of this book, Sent Off At Gunpoint, and meeting fans* at The Hawthorns tonight (8pm).

Forget 'Enders, If you get a spare couple of hours then he's well worth a trip to B71.

BBC scriptwriters have nothing on some of the stories you'll hear from Willie.

*Please note tonight's event is only open for members of the WBA Supporters Club, although non-members can join on the night.