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26-05-2007, 17:40
Baggies fever has hit legendary local athlete “Jumping” Joe Darby - famous for perhaps the biggest boing boinging the Black Country has ever seen - ahead of Monday’s big date at Wembley.
Passers by stopped and pointed at the landmark statue today, in Halesowen Road, Netherton, after a mystery West Brom fan gave the figure his latest unusual outfit.
The well-known monument to the record-breaking 19th century canal jumper, who was aptly a former licensee of the Albion pub, in Stone Street, Dudley, has previously been decked out in everything from a sailor’s hat and goggles to a Homer Simpson mask.
And it is not the first time he has been dressed in footie gear, after being given an England football shirt to wear following the World Cup triumph over Denmark in 2002.
But there was a mixed response to the prank from passers-by and shoppers in Netherton today.
Baggies fan Adam Morement, aged 23, from Quarry Bank, said: “I think it’s great.
“He seems to be dressed up in something new every year, but its nice to see him in the blue and white. I think we’re happy to have all the support we can get for Monday.”
Wolves supporter Josh Bayliss, aged 38, from Netherton, was less amused.
“They’ve gone too far now,” he said.
“It was ok when he had an England shirt, but there’s a lot of Wolves fans here too and we don’t want our noses rubbing in it.
“I’ve a good mind to climb up there and stick a Tesco carrier bag over his head.”
Darby, who died in 1937, was reputed to be able to clear a full-size billiard table from a standing start and jump on and off baskets of eggs without breaking them.
More... (http://www.expressandstar.co.uk/2007/05/26/joe-jumps-to-albions-aid/)
Passers by stopped and pointed at the landmark statue today, in Halesowen Road, Netherton, after a mystery West Brom fan gave the figure his latest unusual outfit.
The well-known monument to the record-breaking 19th century canal jumper, who was aptly a former licensee of the Albion pub, in Stone Street, Dudley, has previously been decked out in everything from a sailor’s hat and goggles to a Homer Simpson mask.
And it is not the first time he has been dressed in footie gear, after being given an England football shirt to wear following the World Cup triumph over Denmark in 2002.
But there was a mixed response to the prank from passers-by and shoppers in Netherton today.
Baggies fan Adam Morement, aged 23, from Quarry Bank, said: “I think it’s great.
“He seems to be dressed up in something new every year, but its nice to see him in the blue and white. I think we’re happy to have all the support we can get for Monday.”
Wolves supporter Josh Bayliss, aged 38, from Netherton, was less amused.
“They’ve gone too far now,” he said.
“It was ok when he had an England shirt, but there’s a lot of Wolves fans here too and we don’t want our noses rubbing in it.
“I’ve a good mind to climb up there and stick a Tesco carrier bag over his head.”
Darby, who died in 1937, was reputed to be able to clear a full-size billiard table from a standing start and jump on and off baskets of eggs without breaking them.
More... (http://www.expressandstar.co.uk/2007/05/26/joe-jumps-to-albions-aid/)
