'Traffic, Lai, expectations': West Brom fans on reason for Hawthorns atmosphere and early departures

In recent months, Albion fans have been sending an increasing number of questions into the Baggies Broadcast regarding a lack of atmosphere at Albion home games.

And they have also been questioning why larger numbers of supporters appear to be departing games well before full time.

The Express & Star put the question out to fans in a poll, to gauge their views on the reasons behind the two issues,

On issues around the atmosphere at The Hawthorns, 20 per cent of supporters polled stated that the pre-match build-up had a part to play in a lack of atmosphere at home games, with just 15 per cent stating it was down to the style of football.

Elsewhere, over 50 per cent of those polled stated it was due to other issues.

When it came to the issue of large numbers of fans leaving early, an overwhelming majority of 71 per cent stated it was down to traffic issues around The Hawthorns.

A number of fans also added comments to the debate on both topics, with a host of reasons being put forward.

One Albion fan, LaurenWBA, posted on X believes there is a number of reasons, and stated that safe standing, which is set to be installed at Albion next season, hasn't had a big atmosphere impact at other grounds.

He said: "Think it's the modern game unfortunately, see it all around the country. Level of unrealistic expectancy, public transport doesn't help at the Hawthorns and that bloody motorway island. 

"Wondered if safe standing helped but doesn't seem it at other grounds."

Another fan, Jason Wheeler, stated a lot of it is down to the matchday experience. Albion did reintroduce a fan zone outside The Hawthorns in recent years, but he believes the club could do better.

He said: "The whole match day experience needs improving. The music and the lead up to kick off is hardly inspiring and at the end of the game how about some celebration music as we see at other grounds at the final whistle when side has won.

"Been longer than this season, atmosphere been shocking for years, need safe standing and major upgrades up there. Even that fan zone half hearted could of been way better, look at Birmingham."

A number of fans raised the issue about matchday experiences and fan zones, but some others believe it is down to the path the club has been through on the field, after difficult years in the Premier League, followed by four straight seasons in the Championship.

On supporter said: "Could it have something with the fact for years we have always been fighting for something, ie automatic promotion or a relegation battle in the Prem.

"In the last few years we have dropped off and become the mid table championship club (Jeremy) Peace always said we were."

Others called for investment into parts of the ground, including the Halfords Lane stand, while a number of Albion fans raised the issue of the poor quality of the PA system in the ground.

Other supporters also pointed towards the previous ownership of Guochuan Lai, and the decline off the field - while others believe football atmospheres have been collectively hit around the country following the Covid-19 pandemic.

One said: "The Lai era stole a lot of hope & optimism. 

"A decade of steady decline has affected the crowd. We're seeing positive early signs from Bilkul, but more visible investment and progression is required.

"The Hawthorns needs a bit of a glow-up too, it's starting to look a little tired."

And another Albion fan added: "I think it's a combination of other stuff - different fan base make up post covid (lots of folks gave up tickets).

"Years of neglect from previous owners sapped life out of fans, habits changed post Covid for many post/pre game pub visits etc. PL years changed expectations of some."