Position: Defender Born: September 30, 1942 in Northumberland Time at The Albion: 1962-74 Apps: 448 (four goals) Height: 5ft 9in Weight: 11 st 5lb His story: For 11 years Norman Gall was Albion’s ‘Mr Reliable’.

A consistent defender either in the centre of the backline or at full-back, his 488 appearances for the club puts him third on the all-time Albion list.

Initially, he was an unpopular selection when he was drafted into the side by George Curtis in preference to the long-serving and popular skipper Roy Jennings, and was dropped after only three games.

It proved only a minor setback for the 20-year-old Geordie.

Norman was signed from Gateshead in March 1962, where he had played as an amateur while serving an apprenticeship as a marine engineer, and soon established himself as first-choice pivot.

His career blossomed during the 1964-65 Fourth Division campaign – he missed just two games and formed a terrific back-line with Dave Turner, Jack Bertolini and Barrie Rees.

He was first-choice for the next nine years.

As well as filling the fullback or centre back roles, he played as a stop-gap centre-forward in November 1968.

Norman was voted Player of the Season in 1971 and 1974 – making him the first player to win it twice.

Although he only scored four goals for the club, one of them was a memorable 25-yard header at Torquay in 1970.

After a falling out with manager Pat Saward following a defeat to Millwall in the 1971-72 season, he was placed on the transfer list.

But he won his place back and was appointed captain by new boss Brian Clough in December 1973.

The then 31-year-old was released at the end of the 1973-74 season and took up stints with Horsham, Eastbourne United and Southwick.

He also coached Worthing’s youth team and co-managed their reserves.