West Brom stripes get their stars
West Brom supporters swept aside criticism of the club's controversial new kit as they queued to be among the first to get their hands on the shirts.
The club sparked debate among fans last month when it unveiled the new one-season-only kit, which has moved away from the club's traditional thick vertical stripes for a pinstripe design.
About 70 fans queued at The Hawthorns, from 8.30am for the release of the souvenir kit, which is priced at £44.99 for a shirt.
When the doors opened at 9am, the supporters flocked inside to the club shop before re-emerging soon after outside with their bagged shirt purchases.
Among them was Steve Venables, aged 54, of Lilac Grove, Wednesbury, who said: "It is the first time I have got the shirt on the day of its launch, there is real excitement among the people queuing up to get them.
"I know the design has caused some grief but I think the fans will get their heads around it eventually."
Rob Phillips, aged 25, of Victoria Street, Swan Village, West Bromwich, said: "I like it, it's different. I am sure a lot of people will be wearing it, it's an Albion shirt after all.
"I like the pin stripes, I think it's a modern football kit fit for the club."
Richard Ralphs, 24, of Stanford Grove, Halesowen, is a season ticket holder and has been supporting the club for 15 years.
He said: "I don't care too much about the design – it is blue and white and it has the Albion badge on, that's good enough for me.
"I think it looks nice and I can see most of the younger fans wanting to get it, soon everyone will be used to it." Melanie Harris, 51, of James Eaton Close, West Bromwich, bought a shirt for her two-year-old grandson Bray Adcock.
It is the toddler's third Albion shirt.
She said: "The family are Baggies, so Bray needs a shirt to show who he will support.
"I don't think the kit design is too popular in the family and I preferred the traditional design. But if it is a one-off, maybe it isn't too bad to have a change every now and then."
Sean Moore, aged 21, of Friar Park, Wednesbury picked up a shirt with his friend Daniel Evans, 22, also of Friar Park.
He said: "As long as its an Albion shirt, I like it, it's not a bad thing to change things sometimes. For me it marks the start of the season."
