“Disappointing” – West Brom: Atmosphere at The Hawthorns questioned.
This post is part of Football League World’s ‘Terrace Talk’ series, which features unique perspectives from our FLW Fan Pundits on the most recent breaking news, teams, players, managers, possible signings, and more…
West Bromwich Albion were one of the Championship’s early pacesetters this season.
Albion fans are optimistic after reaching the play-offs, their greatest place since relegation from the Premier League in 2021.
Carlos Corberan’s leadership has significantly improved the Baggies’ fortunes, and he is widely regarded as a top strategist in the league.
Shilen Patel, who took over The Hawthorns’ boardroom in late February, has contributed to the club’s positive outlook after Guochuan Lai’s turbulent term as owner.
The B71 outfit has always had pretty solid attendance numbers throughout the years, and it’s fair to say that as a result of the aforementioned circumstances, audience numbers have hit a new high in contrast to previous seasons.
West Brom fan commentator delivers assessment on the Baggies’ home support.
Football League World asked Albion fan commentator Callum Burgess on attendance trends in the West Midlands thus far this season.
While attendance counts have improved significantly, Burgess suggested that some features of the crowd may improve more as the season goes.
| West Brom – Attendance Figures since returning to the Championship | Spectators | Average Attendance |
|---|---|---|
| 2021/22 | 503,119 | 21,875 |
| 2022/23 | 531,553 | 23,111 |
| 2023/24 | 529,136 | 23,006 |
| 2024/25* | 123,985 | 24,797 |
| All Data as per Transfermarkt (*Correct as of 09/10/24) | ||
“This shows that under Shilen Patel, the atmosphere around the club is really positive at the minute.”
“Under Guochuan Lai, there were a few occasions where empty seats were a common occurrence, and you’d be able to see that on TV whenever we played at home,” Burgess told me.
“Since the start of this season, the stands have been lot more filled, and it’s been quite impossible to find any vacant seats while visiting The Hawthorns and seeing the stadium completely crowded. It’s a great indicator that the supporters support the team.”
“But, in terms of the atmosphere, I would say that pretty much all of the home games I’ve been to this season, it’s been a bit disappointing,” the member of our fan panel said.
“Whilst they’re making an effort to see the team, the fans need to try and be more vocal.”
“Occasionally, you’ll hear a sigh or grumble over anything. I believe that if fans made the same effort to support the team as they do while complaining about playing from the back, the stadium would be an absolute fortress.”
Burgess gave the following verdict: “Overall, the attendances have been good, but the atmosphere can be lacking at times.”
West Bromwich Albion’s home form might be the trigger behind their promotion campaign.
Albion had the seventh-highest average home attendance this season, at 24,797 in a stadium that seats 26,850.
Corberan congratulated the team for selling almost 20,000 season tickets ahead of their first home game against Leeds United.
“This can only make you proud, not just myself, but everyone who works for the club, since we know it instills in you a sense of duty and motivation to reward them for what they have given you. “This is always a positive for us.”
Albion had the fourth-best home record last season, with 49 points. However, this season, the Baggies have the best away record, winning three out of four.
Although it’s still early in the season, West Brom has had a mixed bag of performances in B71 this season, with two victories, as many draws, and a single defeat to Middlesbrough on October 1.
Many teams vying for automatic promotion have a strong home record, and if the team can regain momentum in front of their own fans after the international break, others could easily follow suit, which would have an impact on Burgess’ wishes in terms of the overall atmosphere.
Read more on sportupdates.co.uk
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