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West Brom fans buzzing as 'Great news' emerges on Hawthorns - 'Love our owners'

Pranav is a sports journalist who graduated from St. Mary’s University, London, with a Distinction in Sports Journalism (MA). He has over six years of experience working inside newsrooms and has been writing about football since the age of 15. Long-form tactical articles and investigative pieces hold a special place in his heart.

Published on:

27 Feb 2025, 6:30 am

West Brom made an announcement on Thursday to bring about a change at the Hawthorns from the 2025/26 season.

The club consulted with the Albion Assembly, the Sports Ground Safety Authority (SGSA) and the club’s Safety Advisory Group before arriving at their decision.

This will impact almost 4,000 seats in the home and away areas of the upper Smethwick End, as well as Millennium Corner of the Hawthorns.

Baggies announce changes at Hawthorns for next season

The club did confirm, via their official website on 27 February, that safe standing will be installed at their home ground.

Safe standing areas allow fans to stand throughout a match, though standing isn’t mandatory.

Those who choose to sit may find their view of the pitch obstructed if surrounded by standing supporters.

Designed to improve safety for standing fans, these areas also aim to elevate the overall matchday experience for spectators.

https://x.com/AllAlbionFans/status/1895051781928812949

https://x.com/danwba_/status/1895051932068090104

Some people don’t half like to moan. Some positive news and people still moaning. If you’re unhappy with the atmosphere then do something about it!
— Jonny Stapes (@SilkyStapes) February 27, 2025

I love our owners so muchhhhhh❤️❤️❤️
— No1Baggie 𓅪 (@AaronWBAfc) February 27, 2025

Good news. Top ownership ever since day 1. Thank you Mr Patel
— YodogXL 𓅪 (@yodogxl) February 27, 2025

More leg room when standing and less risk of hurting your legs on a seat when celebrating a goal
— Lewis Botfield 𓅪 (@lewis_botfield) February 27, 2025

However, not everyone was thrilled with the news.

If safe standing creates a better atmosphere, but as you say they stand safely anyway what’s the current excuse for the atmosphere 🤔
— Matt Harris (@mattharris80) February 27, 2025

People on this thread seem happy about this. Loads saying everyone stands already, this is simply untrue. A small percentage at the very back do, most around me don't. There are many elderly fams that have sat there since the stand opened, now will have to move and lose friends
— steve wba 10 (@stevewba10) February 27, 2025

Literally everyone stands in those sections anyway???
— elliot (@WBAElliot) February 27, 2025

Shilen Patel and the owners were praised as well by the West Brom fans

This is certainly a move that has split the fanbase as while there are no real negative reactions, some just do not see the point of the change.

That's because everyone in those areas stands anyway and it's just viewed as a waste of the club's resources.

Half of the Smethwick End is the home fans while the other half is the travelling support.

On the other hand, Millennium Corner is the other bit on the East Stand side which will be impacted with this change.

However, West Brom fans are delighted that Shilen Patel and the other owners of the club are doing something for the supporters as they hope to get the club back to the Premier League.

West Bromwich Albion