Former Albion striker and club record signing Ian Mellor has died.

He was 74 and had been battling hard against amyloidosis.

Mellor was part of the Albion side who began the thrilling climb from third tier to first in the 1970s during fondly remembered times at the Goldstone.

Popularly known as Spider, he formed a prolific partnership in attack with Peter Ward and contributed 12 goals to the promotion season in the old Third Division in 1976-77.

Modern day statistics would also have credited him with numerous assists.

Although Mellor scored on his league debut for the club against Crystal Palace, he took time to make an impact after Brian Clough paid Norwich City a then record £40,000 for his services in 1974.

That changed with a run of six goals in 11 games in the 1975-76 campaign which put him firmly back in favour.

Alan Mullery opted to use Mellor in attack with Ward.

The promotion season which followed included a memorable game at home to Walsall, in which Ward scored four times and Mellor a 26-minute hat-trick as Albion won 7-0 having been goalless at half-time.

He left the club midway through the following season, going to Chester City, after Teddy Maybank was brought in from Fulham for £200,000. 

Mellor started out at local club Manchester City, who had initially turned him down after a trial.

Malcolm Allison, the manager who eventually offered him a deal, later said he was sold against his wishes.

Speaking after Mellor scored against his Palace side, Allison said: "I didn’t want to see him leave for Norwich.

"Directors force you to do that sort of thing, then they sack you. Spider was a late developer, but his timing is so good now."

Mellor went on to enjoy success with Sheffield Wednesday later in his career.

He worked for the PFA in Manchester after hanging up his boots.