Episode Summary
Hosts
Graham Dunn, Jamie Rooney
Ian Ward
Guest(s)
Release Date
1 February 2024
Duration
68 min
In this episode of By Far The Greatest Team, hosts Graham Dunn and Jamie Rooney are joined by lifelong Baggies fan Ian Ward to revisit one of the most exciting and pioneering sides in English football history — West Bromwich Albion between 1977 and 1981 under the charismatic Ron Atkinson.
At a time when English football was defined by grit and gloom, West Brom brought colour, courage, and confidence to the First Division. Atkinson’s team combined tactical modernity with a swagger rarely seen outside of Anfield, led by a core of outstanding talents — Cyrille Regis, Laurie Cunningham, and Brendan Batson, affectionately known as “The Three Degrees.” Together, they made history not only for their footballing brilliance but also for breaking barriers and changing perceptions within the game.
The episode explores West Brom’s dazzling football across the late 1970s — from their thrilling 1978–79 campaign, where they finished third and played arguably the best football in the country, to their groundbreaking tour of China, the first by an English club. Alongside these triumphs came memorable personalities: Willie Johnston, the electric winger with a mischievous streak, and a young Bryan Robson, who would grow into one of England’s finest midfielders.
Ian Ward brings vivid first-hand memories of the Hawthorns during this golden era — the goals, the glamour, the humour, and the humanity of a club that stood for more than results.
West Bromwich Albion 1977–81 weren’t just good — they were joyous, brave, and ahead of their time.
Takeaways
Ron Atkinson’s charisma and man-management transformed West Brom.
The club pioneered racial integration and diversity in English football.
The Three Degrees became cultural icons as well as footballing stars.
West Brom’s entertaining football challenged the dominance of bigger clubs.
Their legacy extends beyond trophies — they changed how football looked and felt.
West Bromwich Albion 1977–1981: The Entertainers Who Changed Football
Between 1977 and 1981, West Bromwich Albion were one of the most exciting and culturally significant teams in English football. Under the flamboyant Ron Atkinson, the Baggies combined attacking brilliance with social progress — a side that didn’t just win games but won hearts.
Atkinson’s Albion played fearless, free-flowing football. Led by Cyrille Regis, Laurie Cunningham, and Brendan Batson — affectionately known as The Three Degrees — they redefined English football’s image, becoming symbols of racial integration and pride at a time of social tension. Their attacking style, built around speed, strength, and creativity, made West Brom a must-watch team during the late 1970s.
The 1978–79 season was their peak: a third-place league finish, thrilling victories over Manchester United and Arsenal, and football that flowed like poetry. Atkinson’s charisma and belief in player expression made him a fan favourite, while characters like Willie Johnston, Tony Brown, and a young Bryan Robson gave the team both flair and backbone.
Off the pitch, West Brom made history by becoming the first English club to tour China, showcasing their football to new audiences long before globalisation became part of the game. Their story also included moments of cultural reflection, like Len Cantello’s testimonial, which underscored football’s changing social landscape.
Though they never won the league, Atkinson’s West Brom left an impact far greater than silverware. They represented freedom, unity, and entertainment — football at its most human.
West Bromwich Albion 1977–81 weren’t just pioneers of play; they were pioneers of progress.
Main Topics
Iconic Moments
Ron Atkinson’s managerial revolution at West Brom
The emergence of The Three Degrees and their social impact
West Brom’s 1978–79 season and near-title challenge
The groundbreaking tour of China
Willie Johnston, Bryan Robson, and the team’s iconic personalities
5–3 victory away to Manchester United in 1978
The 1978–79 season: finishing third with exhilarating attacking football
The “Three Degrees” breaking racial barriers in English football
The historic tour to China in 1978
Len Cantello’s testimonial match: “Whites vs Blacks”
Willie Johnston’s dazzling wing play and crowd-pleasing flair
Ron Atkinson’s return to West Brom and his enduring bond with the club
Notable Manager
Ron Atkinson
Notable Players
Cyrille Regis, Laurie Cunningham, Brendan Batson, Bryan Robson, Willie Johnston, Ally Brown, Tony Brown, Derek Statham, John Wile, Len Cantello, Remi Moses, Tony Godden
Style of Play
4-3-3 Formation, Attacking Flair, Counter-Attacking Transitions, High-Tempo Play, Wide Wing Play, Pioneering Diversity
Ron Atkinson’s West Bromwich Albion were built on boldness, flair, and fluid attacking football — a thrilling antidote to the dour tactics of late-1970s English football. Lining up predominantly in a 4-3-3, Atkinson encouraged expression, movement, and confidence, creating a team that could outplay and outthink the biggest names in the league.
At the heart of the system were Cyrille Regis, Laurie Cunningham, and Willie Johnston, a front line of pace, trickery, and power that terrified defences. Cunningham’s balance and artistry on the left, paired with Regis’s strength and explosive finishing, gave Albion a dynamic unpredictability. Behind them, Bryan Robson emerged as a box-to-box force, combining youthful energy with tactical maturity, while Tony Brown’s vision anchored midfield transitions.
Atkinson’s tactical philosophy mixed continental influences with old-school English freedom. The full-backs, particularly Derek Statham, pushed high to support attacks, while centre-backs like John Wile provided solidity and leadership. The team’s transitions were lightning quick — one touch to move, one to create, one to finish.
West Brom’s style wasn’t just entertaining; it was pioneering. Their embrace of diverse talent and forward-thinking football made them one of the most admired sides in the country. Every match at The Hawthorns felt like a show — fast, fearless, and full of personality.
They were, quite simply, the entertainers of their time.
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