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West Brom fans welcomed back to The Hawthorns for Hammers clash - with PICTURES

West Brom have welcomed fans back to The Hawthorns - following more than a year without supporters.

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West Bromwich Albion fans applaud the players prior to kick-off during the Premier League match at The Hawthorns, West Bromwich.

Albion host West Ham, hoping to put on a show for those lucky enough to be in attendance.

The club have already had their relegation from the top flight confirmed after a poor season, and will be playing Championship football in the 2021/22 campaign.

Fans were asked to arrive early for the game, with supporters all part of a staggered entry into the stadium to ensure social distancing is followed.

Supporters have to wear face masks throughout their time in the stadium, but are allowed to sing and celebrate as long as it isn't excessive. However, no food or drinks are available on the concourses within the ground.

Government guidelines allow for either 10,000 fans or 25 per cent of a ground's capacity to attend fixtures this week, with the Baggies expecting around 6,000 fans to watch Sam Allardyce's side in action.

Meanwhile, fans are in attendance for Premier League games elsewhere, with supporters in place for Wolves and Aston Villa's away clashes at Everton and Spurs respectively.

Wolves and Villa will welcome their own supporters back into Molineux and Villa Park this weekend, for the final games of the season.

Albion fans spoke of their delight at being able to attend the final home game of the season.

Among the first supporters in the queue was Mark Williams, aged 59, from Dudley, who said: "It is good to be back, I am a season ticket holder.

"I hope we can get a result. I have been a season ticket holder since 1968, the day we won the cup."

Pete Jones, 55, from Dudley, who attended with his daughter, said: "We love watching the Albion. It is a generational thing in our family.

"I have been a supporter since 1976. We go home and away. It is sad the season is over with relegation."

Ben Phillips, 23, from Kettering, was hoping for a win.

He started following Albion through his grandfather, who in turn began following the club after Albion beat Preston in the FA Cup final during the 1950s.

Mr Phillips, a season ticket holder, said: "I am so excited to be back. It has been a hard time since we were last here 14 months ago. I think we will win 2-1."

Riece Bruton, 25 from Walsall, who attended the game with his family, said: "It is absolutely brilliant to be back.

"We have been waiting to watch them since we last played Blues. I am going for a win."