The inside story of the birth of the Three Degrees
05.07.26, 00:00 Updated 14.07.26, 11:47 5 Minute Read
Steve Tudgay
When Laurie Cunningham tip-toed onto the Portman Road pitch on the afternoon of March 4, 1978, little did anyone realise the true significance of the moment. In the 64th of the game, with Albion lucky to be only 1-0 down, manager Ron Atkinson withdrew midfielder Mick Martin and sent on Cunningham to add some class and dash to proceedings. He did considerably more than that.
Yes, Atkinson’s side won a point in 2-2 draw thanks to Bomber Brown’s double. But it was also the first time Cyrille Regis, Brendon Batson and Cunningham had appeared in the same Albion team together. The legend of the Black Country’s own version of ‘The Three Degrees’ was born.
Become a member today.
Full Throstle needs its community to support independent, high-quality coverage of West Bromwich Albion. Subscribe to a monthly or annual package today to be a part of something special.
Already have an account? Sign in
Related Topics
Steve Tudgay was a journalist for the Birmingham Evening Mail during the early 90s when West Brom were managed by Bobby Gould and Ossie Ardiles. You may remember him - he was the one banned by Gould! Since then he has worked in television for ITV Sport, Sky Sports and Premier League Productions.