West Brom fans in protest outside The Hawthorns

More than 20 supporters gathered at The Hawthorns, waving banners calling for changes to the direction of the club.

While fans admitted the turn-out was a 'little disappointing' they said the campaign was expected to grow over the course of the coming season.

Club owner Jeremy Peace has faced a backlash over his decision to appoint Mr Irvine, the former Preston North End and Sheffield Wednesday manager.

Fans gathered at the protest said they wanted Mr Peace to 'put his hand in his pocket'.

Supporter Taylor Hill, 16, from Kidderminster, said: "The problem is that Mr Peace seems to distance himself from the supporters.

"I have nothing against the new manager but I am not convinced he has the full support of the owner and that is what is needed.

"Also if the money is there and available it should be spent and that is the message we are trying to get across here this morning.

"Supporters are the club and we are very passionate. Although the turn-out has been small for this first event there is space for the campaign to grow over the season."

Fan Matt Cooper, 31, from Bearwood, said: "This has been staged to get the message across to Jeremy Peace. Essentially what we are saying is that we want Mr Peace to put his hand in his pocket or simply leave the club.

"I think some fans have been appeased a little by the signing of Joleon Lescott which is why there had not been so many people here as expected.

"However there are still issues and we have to get that across."

Mark Koppel, 35, of Harborne, said: "This campaign will grow and grow over the coming months.

"At the moment we are out of season and it is early on a Saturday morning but already we have had this number of people turn up," he said.

"Our next move will probably to stage a demonstration before a match which will be planned at a later date.

"This protest has just got the ball rolling."

Mr Peace has backed the appointment of Alan Irvine and said the appointment had been the 'unanimous' choice of the board.

And he has promised six new signings, with Joleon Lescott the first.

Former Wolves defender Lescott completed his move to Black Country rivals Albion at the end of last week on a two-year deal.

The 31-year-old, who started his career at Molineux before moving on to Premier League success with Everton and Manchester City, is a major coup for Irvine.

Albion had to fight off a rival offer from FA Cup finalists Hull City and other interest from Stoke City to land Lescott's signature.

• See also: I’m not a Mr Nice Guy, says West Brom boss Alan Irvine