Former West Brom striker John Lovatt dies aged 83
Former Albion striker John Lovatt has died aged 83.
Lovatt spent almost eight years with the Baggies between 1956 and 1963. He made his professional debut for the club in 1961.
The striker, also known as Jack and nicknamed 'Shack', made 18 appearances in total for Albion and scored five goals.
Having checked in as an amateur in January 1956, the Burton-born frontman turned professional towards the end of 1958 and made his first-team debut in a 2-1 win at West Ham in March 1961.
Lovatt finished that campaign with three goals in 10 games. He vied for a place in Albion's attack with the likes of Ronnie Allen, Derek Kevan, David Burnside and Alec Jackson.
The striker departed The Hawthorns for Nuneaton in November 1963. He had three seasons there before stints at Worcester City and Banbury Spencer. Lovatt retired in 1968.
He collected his former player's cap, number 447, at The Hawthorns in 2018.
A message from Albion's former players association shared: "Our sincere condolences to his wife Sue, daughter, sons & grandchildren. RIP SHACK."
