
Ossie Ardiles sends touching message to West Brom fans amid celebrations
Osvaldo Ardiles is a name fondly remembered by fans of West Brom.
The Argentine took charge of the Baggies in 1992, guiding his team to victory in the Division Two playoff final against Port Vale.
He would leave The Hawthorns at the end of the season to join Tottenham, but the 73-year-old is still a figure loved by West Brom fans.

Ardiles thanks West Brom fans
Ardiles’ playing career concluded in the early 90s. The midfielder had spent ten years at Tottenham, making almost 300 appearances in North London – enough to earn him a place in the Tottenham Hotspur Hall of Fame.
The Argentine also enjoyed stints at PSG and Blackburn Rovers, but could never replicate the form he had found at White Hart Lane.
Following his retirement, Ardiles managed Swindon Town and Newcastle United, before his memorable year at West Brom.
The Baggies played a more attacking, passing brand of football under their new manager, finishing fourth in the Second Division (today’s equivalent of League One) and earning them a spot in the playoffs.
West Brom | Second Division 1992/93 |
Played | 46 |
Won | 25 |
Drawn | 10 |
Lost | 11 |
A semi-final against Swansea City would see them lose the first leg, before overturning the result at The Hawthorns in the second leg.
The final against Port Vale at Wembley would become an incredibly memorable occasion for Baggies fans, as their side won out 3-0 against the team who had finished four points above them in the league.
Peter Swan’s second-half sending off would prompt goals from Andy Hunt, Nicky Reid, and Kevin Donovan, as West Brom surged into the First Division (today’s equivalent of the Championship), where they would stay until promotion to the Premier League in 2002.
Sunday 3 August marks Ardiles’ 73rd birthday, and the Argentine took to social media to thank West Brom fans for their well-wishes.
He said: “Thank you very much. Big hug to all the WBA supporters. Always in my heart.”
Ardiles played huge part in West Brom rise
While Ardiles’ time in the West Midlands was brief, the esteem in which he is cherished expresses the enormity of his impact.
West Brom have never returned to the third tier of English football since their promotion under the Argentine in 1993, and the playoff final remains among their most memorable days.
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