West Bromwich Albion legend Bobby Hope has died at the age of 78.
Hope, who made 409 appearances for the Midlands side between 1960 and 1972, scoring 42 goals, passed away peacefully on Friday.
The Scottish inside forward also played for Birmingham City, Sheffield Wednesday and Bromsgrove Rovers during a 23-year playing career.
Hope also spent time on loan at the Philadelphia Atoms and Dallas Tornado in the United States.
He picked up seven senior Scotland caps and went on to manage Bromsgrove and Burton Albion.
Hope was the midfield playmaker in one of West Brom’s greatest ever teams — the side that won the FA Cup and League Cup with West Brom in the 1960s.
A club statement said: “West Bromwich Albion Football Club is devastated to learn of the passing of 1966 League Cup and 1968 FA Cup winner Bobby Hope.
“The thoughts of all at The Hawthorns are with Bobby's family and friends at this desperately sad time.”
He was famed for his range of passing as a player.
Hope returned to West Brom in the 1990s after his time as a manager and became a long-serving chief scout at the club.
The West Brom former players association paid tribute to him, writing: “It is with the greatest of sadness that we announce the death of a legend, Bobby Hope. He died peacefully yesterday.
“Our deepest condolences to Carole Adam, Jamie and grandchildren, sister Eleanor & friends.
“RIP we have lost a best mate and true friend.”
(Photo: Getty Images)
