The Albion Foundation will welcome Albion legends ‘Super’ Bob Taylor and Andy Hunt for their first-ever Pukka Night on Friday, November 8.
‘Super’ Bob, was born in County Durham in February of 1967 and made his professional bow with Leeds United before playing his part in the side that made it to the 1986-87 FA Cup semi-final. The forward spent three years with the Lilywhites before switching to Bristol City, who were searching for a regular goalscorer following three consecutive relegations – the first English team to do so.
Just over three years younger than Taylor, ‘Hunty’ began his career in non-league football, playing for King’s Lynn and Kettering Town before making his way Tyneside to Newcastle United in 1991. It was here where he’d make 43 league appearances, some of which under soon-to-be Baggies’ boss Ossie Ardiles.
Back in Bristol, Taylor in his first full season, helped the club achieve promotion to Division Two. The forward was the leading striker in the fourth tier, bagging 34 goals in all competitions, prompting the Baggies to make a move.
Bob’s move to The Hawthorns came in January of 1992, where at-the-time boss Bobby Gould was keen to bolster Albion’s Third Division promotion charge. Taylor notched his first Baggies strike at The Hawthorns against Brentford in a 2-0 victory and secured a further two strikes on his away bow in a 3-0 win over local rivals Birmingham City.
The Baggies narrowly missed out on promotion that season, but a change of playing style under new manager Ardiles in 1992/93 brought out the best in ‘Super Bob’ – who managed another top goalscorer award in Division Two with 30 league strikes. It wouldn’t be long before Taylor would be joined by Hunt, who demonstrated goalscoring poise of equal measure.
Andy joined Albion in March of 1993, after being on the sidelines for much of Kevin Keegan’s managerial spell at Newcastle, he scored a hat-trick on his Hawthorns debut against Brighton. Albion capitalised fully on Hunt and Taylor’s strike partnership and secured promotion to the third tier in 1993 via the Division Two play-off final.
The win over Port Vale became a new chapter in Baggies’ folklore, with Taylor and Hunt the scribes. ‘Super Bob’ was brought down by former Leeds teammate Peter Swan with the game goalless, the dismissal proved to be the turning point in the game. Hunt soon played his part in the victory at Wembley too, scoring in the 66th minute to begin Albion’s second-half rout on route to a 3-0 win and promotion to Division One.
Hunt and Taylor’s partnership over the next five season became one of the best in Baggies’ history, scoring a combined 191 goals before Andy joined Charlton in 1998, whilst Taylor moved back north to Bolton Wanderers, initially on loan.
Despite being without his strike partner, there was still plenty of appetite for Albion left in Taylor, who moved back to the Black Country in 2000 thanks to the lore of Gary Megson. The Baggies were struggling at the foot of Division One and left it late to secure a deadline day deal.
Taylor proved he still had the capabilities in an Albion shirt, bagging five goals in eight games, including one in a 2-0 win over Hunt’s Charlton on the final day of the campaign to secure survival. The Baggies almost secured a shock promotion against the odds the following season but were beaten in the Division One play-off semi-final by Bolton.
In 2001/02, Taylor would finally help Albion up to the Premier League for the first time in their history, sealing promotion with the second goal in a 2-0 win over Crystal Palace. ‘Super Bob’ would leave The Hawthorns for the final time the following season – departing as the club’s eighth-highest all-time goalscorer.
You can catch ‘Super Bob’ Taylor and Andy Hunt on their return to The Hawthorns for a ticket which includes a choice of Pukka pie and a pint for £30 – here.
Tables of 10, including a choice of Pukka Pie and a drink* can be purchased for £250. The Pukka Night will begin at 7:30pm and dress code is casual.
Please note that these evenings are aimed at an adult audience and may contain strong language which may be inappropriate for younger attendees.
If you have any queries, please email: events@albionfoundation.co.uk
*Please note, our drink offer is limited to a selected list which includes soft drinks or a 330ml beer or cider.