“Gave us our respect back”, “Love him” - Many West Brom fans gush over "legend" former manager

Few managers are remembered at the Hawthorns as fondly as Gary Megson, and fans have been discussing their former boss on the 20th anniversary of the day he took over.

He had a remarkably successful stint with the Baggies, twice getting them promoted to the Premier League in the early 2000s, becoming the first manager to take the club to the top division in 16 years.

It is little surprise that he is so highly-thought of, therefore. As one fan puts it, he never thought the club would reach the Premier League because of the position West Brom were in before the arrival Megson.

Supporters have been showing appreciation for the 60-year-old, who also took over temporary charge when the club was relegated in 2017/18 – drawing both of his matches in charge.

The apparent motivation he gave the players prior to the Palace game and eventual first promotion to the PL. He called the partners and children of the players into the dressing room prior to the game and told the players to do it for them!

He gave us our respect back.

— Albionista 🧢 (@Albionista3) March 9, 2020

Best manager we’ve had. Loved him.

— BigCind (@BigCind) March 9, 2020

One of THE most significant managerial apointments our club has EVER made. We were in danger of slipping into a big abyss, Sir Meggo stopped that and then turned it around BIG TIME.

— Carl 1878 🇭🇷💙💚💛 (@baggyboy1878) March 9, 2020

Now he’s a legend

— Mr_Magic (@Baggie_Tillidie) March 9, 2020

Hero https://t.co/imERZj4kPi

— Jonny Drury (@JonnyDrury7) March 9, 2020

Some fans have specifically been focusing on the memories that mean most to them, and while promotion was a historic achievement it was arguably even more difficult to achieve the goal of survival.

The fact that the Midlands outfit have often been viewed as a yo-yo side in the years since supports that view, but Megson sustained their Premier League status for a time, and many have brought up that achievement as one of the best things he did.

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It would be fitting if Slaven Bilic could take over the mantle exactly 20 years later and sculpt his own legacy at the club, and he is currently on course to do exactly that with the Baggies sitting six points clear.

Saving us from getting relegated when he came in

— Jonathan Evans (@The5pecialone31) March 9, 2020

Just the fact that he saved our club. Before his arrival we were in freefall!

— Jeremy Duthie (@jeremyduthie) March 9, 2020

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