View: West Brom fans handed massive boost ahead of PL clash v Man United
West Brom fans, more than most, will be thrilled by the decision from the Premier League to scrap the pay-per-view model.
It is bad enough as a fan of a team towards the bottom of the league in that your side rarely gets shown on TV, but that was only compounded this season following a confusing and tone-deaf to decision to charge supporters £14.95 to watch single matches.
Given that the product is significantly worsened by the lack of fans in the crowd and the challenging economic circumstances facing people all over the country, it was no surprise to see the move roundly criticised shortly after its announcement.
In response, the league confirmed it would pull the plug on the controversial scheme on Friday (via The Guardian).
Matches that previously would have been behind a paywall will now be spread across Sky Sports, BT Sports, Amazon Prime and the BBC.
While the move was understandably criticised by fans of all clubs, the Baggies were one of the worst impacted. When the pay-per-view scheme was first announced, West Brom were one of three teams to see four consecutive matches put behind a paywall. From these matches against Burnley, Brighton and Hove Albion, Fulham and Tottenham Hotspur, the Baggies picked up just two points and scored one goal (via WhoScored).
With the cost of watching all four games approaching almost £60, it would be easy to see fans become disillusioned, just at a time where the team where struggling for form at the bottom of the table. This cost also comes in addition to the price of a Sky Sports and BT Sports subscription.
Luckily, the decision has been made to reverse the decision and there will be plenty more football on TV as we head into the busy Christmas period. The festive schedule will be a tricky one for the Baggies as they look to move out of trouble, but at least their supporters will be able to follow along at home, without facing any more extortionate costs.
In other West Brom news, View: Excellent v Spurs – 25y/o fast becoming most important West Brom player