West Brom CEO Xu Ke delivers key update ahead of PL clash
West Brom CEO Xu Ke updated the club’s fans on Friday about plans to allow supporters to return to The Hawthorns stadium safely.
In line with the latest government guidelines, a limited number of fans have been able to return to grounds around the country, dependent on the level of local restrictions in place.
The area in which The Hawthorns is based is currently under the strictest Tier 3 restrictions, but the club have now laid out a plan for the return of supporters should that change.
“I am writing to provide an update on the club’s preparations for the safe return of fans to The Hawthorns should the UK Government’s review of regional restrictions next week result in a change of tier for Sandwell,” Xu said (via West Brom’s official website).
“Home games will continue to be played behind closed doors while Sandwell remains in Tier 3 – but 2,000 supporters could return if the borough is placed in Tier 2. How best to allocate 2,000 seats has been carefully considered and we have decided the only fair way forward is to sell tickets by ballot to 2019/20 and/or 2020/21 season-ticket holders.
“The ballot for the Villa game, which will be played on Sunday, December 20 (ko 7.15pm), will open on Monday, December 14 – before any changes in restrictions have been announced by Government.”
Good timing
Given the position that the team and their coach Slaven Bilic currently find themselves in, the potential return of fans should be seen as a huge bonus.
The Baggies have been stronger at The Hawthorns this season than away, picking up five of their six points at home, and the addition of supporters should only be seen as a positive.
According to Reuters, thas has been a significant increase in the number of away wins taking place with games behind closed doors.
Last season, games in front of a crowd were won the home side on 44.8% of occasions, with that number falling to 41.6% behind closed doors. Furthermore, the number of away wins has risen from 30.2% in front of crowds to 37.9% without them.
Granted, 2,000 fans inside a 27,000-seater stadium is not ideal, but it is better than nothing and should give the team a much-needed boost.
In other West Brom news, are the Baggies about to make a big mistake over Bilic?
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