New matchday area, The Kevan Suite, opens today
ALBION are delighted to announce that a brand new matchday suite at The Hawthorns has been named in honour of legendary goalscorer Derek Kevan.
The Kevan Suite, situated in a prime location at boardroom level in the West Stand, will be open for the first time today as the club kick off the new Barclays Premier League campaign against Southampton (ko 3pm).
Derek, affectionately known as ‘The Tank’ due to his muscular build and fearless displays, passed away in January, aged 77.
He bagged an incredible 173 goals in 291 appearances for the club between 1953 and 1963 and also represented England 14 times, netting eight goals.
The Kevan Suite will feature key memorabilia from Derek s’ career – including an England shirt and cap from the 1957/58 home internationals – which the family have kindly loaned the club to display.
Derek’s son, Mark, said: “It’s a great gesture by the club and it’s a really nice suite.
“I’m sure dad would have been proud to watch a game from there and also have his England shirt and cap on display.
“He’ll be looking down thinking that all of that sweat, tears, mud and goals was worth it.
“I haven’t seen what menus will be served in the suite but should they ever offer a good Yorkshire tea and a few Banks’s Bitters, that would go down very nicely with him!”
Adrian Wright, Albion’s Sales & Marketing Director, said: “Derek is a true club legend and fully deserves this honour.
“Since his passing, we’ve stayed in contact with the family and we’re delighted they’ve embraced our plans to name this suite in Derek’s honour.
“The family were unable to join us for today’s game but we’re looking forward to inviting them to a future fixture.”
Albion’s players wore black armbands in Derek’s honour the day after his passing in their FA Cup tie at QPR. The club then paid an official tribute, which featured a minute’s applause and a programme feature which saw Derek on the front cover for the first time ever, at their next home game against Villa.
* There has been great demand for seats in the Kevan Suite, which is sold out for the season. However, the club still have seasonal/matchday packages available in other corporate areas. Seasonal prices start from £1,750, plus VAT. For further details, call our Hospitality team on 0871 271 9800.