Steve HermonBBC Radio WM and

Andrew DawkinsWest Midlands

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Tony 'Bomber' Brown, pictured in 1971, won the FA Cup and League Cup

Former teammates of West Bromwich Albion's record goal scorer Tony "Bomber" Brown surprised him with special messages ahead of his 80th birthday on Friday.

Tributes from a host of former and current players were played to him before he co-commentated for the BBC on this week's Baggies game at Norwich City.

Brown, who also made more appearances for the club than any other player, scored 279 goals in 720 games between 1963 and 1980 and won the League Cup in 1966 and the FA Cup in 1968. A statue honouring him was unveiled outside The Hawthorns in 2014.

Asked on air whether he was crying after the messages were broadcast on BBC Radio WM, he said: "I'm very close to it."

One of those paying tribute, Albion captain Jed Wallace, told him: "Just want to wish you a massive happy 80th birthday - absolute club legend on and off the pitch.

"Hope you have a great...