‘I don’t see any other option’ – Paul Robinson says how West Brom season should be decided
Paul Robinson believes that the football season must be concluded by matches being played out on the pitch – even if it means West Brom playing behind closed doors.
Before the season ground to a halt last month due to the coronavirus pandemic, West Brom were second in the Championship table and six points clear of third-placed Fulham.
Albion and Leeds have occupied the two automatic promotion spots all season and are both firm favourites to return to the Premier League.
However there has been talk of the season being declared null and void if the current postponement goes on for too long.
Ex-Albion left-back Robinson wouldn’t be happy to see that happen and believes that the season should be finished with no fans at the stadium.
“The toughest thing is the time frame of fitness because the players are going to have to do another pre-season,” Robinson told the Express & Star.
“You can’t expect them to get back to playing straight away. Players won’t be up to speed, strength and conditioning wise, they won’t be match ready.
“But the season has to finish it’s as simple as that. For teams like Baggies fighting for promotion there is too much to play for, you can’t just void it.
“Even if games have to be played behind closed doors and the games televised, which will no doubt be the case when the season resumes.
“You’ll have people saying it’s not the same without the fans. But it’s still the game of football, players will still compete, it’s still a league match.
“When we start up again that is how it will be I’m afraid. I don’t see any other option.”
Of course, it won’t be nice to have to watch West Brom see out their promotion bid in empty stadiums, without the club’s brilliant support backing them.
However, it seems like that is the most realistic option and it’s far better than having the season scrapped altogether.
Winning promotion to the Premier League is the most important thing and no matter how that happens, we’d be happy.
In other West Brom news, Kieran Gibbs has been raving about this Baggies attacker.