It is with great sadness that we have to announce the death last night of Charles “Chuck” Drury after a long illness. Chuck made 160 appearances having joined the Albion in 1954 as an amateur, signing professional forms in 1955. Chuck made his debut versus Bolton Wanderers in 1958 becoming an established first teamer in season 1959/60. A hard tackling wing half, as they were known in those days,  Chuck scored just the one goal but that was one that stuck in the memory as was it not only a superb one but it was against our Staffordshire neighbours Wolverhampton Wanderers.

       

Chuck was part of the youth team that included the likes of Sir Bobby Robson, Derek Kevan, Don Howe and Alec Jackson and as a young player he was a close friend of Mick Fudge.
He left the Hawthorns in 1964 for Bristol City and it was 10 years later that he finally hung up his boots and retired from the game.
Chuck lived in Staffordshire and therefore was able to attend a number of AGM’s until illness in 2015 prevented him from attending any more. It is was fitting that we were able to present his “cap” to him in February of this year. Chuck was a popular member and always enjoyed meeting up with his mates from those days in the 60’s and also, as with the Association, those who he did not play with too.

Our sincere condolences go to his wife Sheila, sons Carl & Dean, grandchildren Scarlett, Polly, Ruby, Jemima, George and Maizie, great grandchildren Phoebe & Oscar.  RIP Chuck.