The Former Players Association are saddened to report the passing of former player John ‘Shack’ Lovatt at the age of 83 years, after a short illness.
‘Shack’ who joined the club as an amateur in 1956, before signing professional for the club two years later, made his first team debut in March 1961, against West Ham United at Upton Park, replacing the injured Ronnie Allen, and scoring in Albion’s brilliant 2-1 win, the first of three goals in that 1960/61 season that helped to keep Albion in the First Division, at the end of what had been a difficult season.
Jack left the club for non-league football in 1963, but was always proud to be a player with the club he joined from Erdington Albion, playing alongside great players like Derek Kevan, Ronnie Allen, Don Howe, Ray Barlow and many others. He was of course a popular member of the Former Players Association over the years, and a regular visitor to The Hawthorns in the Regis Suite.
The Association wish to afford their sincere condolences to wife Sue and his family at this very sad time. Funeral details will be announced in due course.
John (Jack) Lovatt – West Bromwich Albion. 1960-62.
‘Shack’ who joined the club as an amateur in 1956, before signing professional for the club two years later, made his first team debut in March 1961, against West Ham United at Upton Park, replacing the injured Ronnie Allen, and scoring in Albion’s brilliant 2-1 win, the first of three goals in that 1960/61 season that helped to keep Albion in the First Division, at the end of what had been a difficult season.