Football's 12

ALBION, as you well know, are one of the 12 founder members of the Football League.

But what's the significance these days? Not much.

In fact there's a good chance most people would struggle to name all 12.

But Baggies fan Dave Chapman - owner of the landmark Albion pub in London - has penned an idea which would mean all 12 clubs being 'honoured' for their part in footballing history.

Dave was contacted the Football League suggesting that each one of the dozen clubs should be allowed to display a gold badge of the original championship trophy.

He said: "It dawned on me that perhaps the most important piece of football history was in danger of being lost forever.

"Countries that win the World Cup have taken to wearing a gold star on their shirts to denote their success, but without those original twelve they would not be competing at all.

"My suggestion is that the Founding Twelve should be allowed to have a gold badge replica of the original league championship cup on their shirts to commemorate their overwhelming contribution to world football as we know it.

"This would ensure that wherever in the world these teams play fans will be reminded of the origins of the game we love."

The FL have replied to inform him it's been referred to the League executive committee and to their commercial department for consideration.

So if it does happen, you'll know where the idea came from...

Those 12 clubs, in case you didn't know, are: Albion, Accrington, Aston Villa, Blackburn Rovers, Bolton Wanderers, Burnley, Derby County, Everton, Notts County, Preston North End, Stoke City and Wolves.