HE arrived on this very day 10 years ago.

Big Dave.

Like Bomber or Super Bob before him there is a certain exclusivity attached to the name when you're in or around the Hawthorns.

Full names, let alone surnames aren't necessary - you know exactly who I'm on about.

Whether or not he was Gary Megson's best-ever signing for the club is one to discuss over a pint. But surely nobody epitomises that Albion era better than Moore.

A warrior, a footballing and defensive giant.

On his arrival, Moore could have been excused for bringing along some symbolic scissors to perform the ceremonial unveiling of a team which was to eventually win promotion with such an emphatic finish to the season. Moore's signing meant that Megson's side was no longer 'under construction'.

A Baggies defence has seldom dovetailed as well since.

Moore marshalled a record-breaking defence which was to keep 27 clean sheets and thrust him into the PFA divisional team of the year.

Big Dave - his name taken from character in a Pot Noodle TV commercial at the time - made only 106 appearances for Albion. But it was the charm, grace and dignity he brought, and still brings, which makes him different to other players.

Albion fans will, of course, have their own Moore memory.

It might be the opening goal in the 2-0 promotion-clinching win over Crystal Palace or the manner in which Wolves' Shaun Newton was bounced out of a heated melee by Moore during a Black Country derby in November 2001.

There are others - a 45-yard consolation strike in a defeat at Rotherham, his remarkable restraint when baited by young Evertonian scamp Wayne Rooney (though I suspect he would get his own back in some form or shape), or the very fact that he was the first player to score an Albion winner in the top flight for 16 years.

Mine, personally, comes after he left. Moore showed class and used restraint before and, especially, after the 2007 Championship Play Off Final when, as a Derby player, he applauded Albion fans before the game and refused to indulge in any celebrations after the Rams' victory. While the white shirts around him danced, cheered and joined in festivities, Moore kept his thoughts low-key.

He revealed several months later in a Birmingham Mail interview that he was somewhat anguished by the occasion and had not enjoyed the build-up to that game. He had mixed feelings after the match.

On what should have been a special day for him, he was still thinking of others.

Typical.

Ten years have passed since he pitched up for £750,000 from Portsmouth.

These days, Moore is afforded iconic status by Albion. He's an Albion institution - he even has his own bar at The Hawthorns.

And then there is all of his charity and community work. He's an ambassador, not only for football, but for common decency.

His presence might be gracing Burton Albion these days, but his heart remains very much at another Albion, much closer to home.