Credit: Imago/The Baggies Bible

West Brom fans ’embarrassed’ by Walsall, ‘exactly’ what they need at The Hawthorns

Sat 17 May 2025 20:29, UK

West Brom fans will be hoping for major changes both on and off the pitch this summer, and there has already been progress.

The Baggies suffered a disappointing end to the season as they missed out on the Championship play-offs following a dismal run of form.

West Brom will now aim to make changes as they are set to hire a new manager and have already begun work on stadium upgrades.

The Hawthorns will now see safe standing introduced, but fans have called for further upgrades after seeing the facilities nearby at Walsall.

West Brom chairman Shilen Patel stands outside the directors' box. — Credit: Imago

West Brom fans demand upgrades at The Hawthorns

West Brom owner Shilen Patel has promised upgrades across the Baggies this summer, and fans are now keen on seeing one change implemented.

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One West Brom supporter attended Walsall’s League Two play-off semi-final clash with Chesterfield, which they won 2-1, but the main thing he noticed was the quality of the entertainment areas.

A clean concourse with benches, a readily accessible bar and screens were available for fans, and Baggies supporters have now taken to X to demand the same at The Hawthorns.

Pre match at Walsall. Almost embarrassed to say it’s better than anything the Albion have to offer🥲 pic.twitter.com/Z5DDrbiNm3
— The Baggies Bible 𓅪 (@TheBaggiesBible) May 16, 2025

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We ain’t got nothing like that do we
— Mikey 🇨🇾 𓅪 (@mikeyp2551) May 16, 2025

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It’s something we need really. Went Bristol city away first time this season and took a walk around… bars attatched to the ground where you can get food. Food vans and beer vans everywhere.

We have the fanzone but what I’d do for a proper built in bar/pub
— b4gg13s 𓅪 (@James18209464) May 16, 2025

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I was talking about it with some Walsall fans last night… saying it’s exactly what #wba need.

They also go after the game until the traffic has died down.
— Statto 𓅪 (@StattoGK) May 16, 2025

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The ECP warehouse next to the hawthorns was up for sale a couple years ago, at the time I thought it’ll be a great purchase for us. Turn it into a huge fanzone for games but also events during the close season.
— David Guest 𓅪 (@guesty_14) May 17, 2025

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Community feel….
Guy I work with raves about how it just feels right when he goes.
Guess they've listened to fans
— West Stand13 🎗️𓅪 (@WStand13) May 16, 2025

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I said it to someone yesterday, and I stand by it.

If you aren't already a Walsall fan, Walsall are every Midland football fan's 2nd Midland team.
— Ginger Rob 🖤🤍❤️ (@ThatGingerRob) May 17, 2025

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West Brom to make Hawthorns upgrades this summer

Fans were delighted as West Brom recently confirmed that safe standing sections are already being implemented in the stadium, and there could be more upgrades.

The atmosphere at The Hawthorns was far from its best this season, and Jayson Molumby even claimed that the noise could be better.

Patel is keen on stamping his mark on the club, and he will make himself a very popular figure if there is investment into improving the overall fan experience at The Hawthorns.

Fan bars at or close to the ground which can help build a good atmosphere pre-match could make a difference next season, and West Brom should take note from the League Two side leading the way.

Walsall have reached the play-off final, and could now reach League One after an excellent season, with their fans delighted at all aspects.

Could West Brom learn a thing or two here?