"Disappointing" - West Brom: Atmosphere at The Hawthorns questioned | OneFootball

FLW's Albion fan pundit has spoken about the continuous strong numbers seen at The Hawthorns

This article is part of Football League World's 'Terrace Talk' series, which provides personal opinions from our FLW Fan Pundits regarding the latest breaking news, teams, players, managers, potential signings and more...

West Bromwich Albion have been one of the early-season pace setters in the Championship this campaign.

After making the play-offs and recording their highest finish since being relegated from the Premier League in 2021, the mood which surrounds the Albion fanbase is one of optimism at this moment in time.

With Carlos Corberan in charge, the Baggies' fortunes have changed drastically, with the Spaniard revered as one of the best tacticians across the division.

This has been backed up by the positivity fuelled by Shilen Patel, who took over in The Hawthorns' boardroom in late February, ending Guochuan Lai's tumultuous tenure as owner of the club.

The B71 outfit have always recorded relatively strong numbers in terms of attendances throughout the years, and it's fair to say that as a result of the aforementioned factors, crowd numbers at least, have reached a new level in comparison to recent seasons.

West Brom fan pundit issues verdict on the Baggies' home support

Football League World quizzed our Albion fan pundit, Callum Burgess, on what the attendances have been like in this quarter of the West Midlands so far this season.

Whilst there has been a marked improvement in terms of attendance figures, Burgess stated that aspects of the crowd could still improve as the season progresses.

"So far, the attendances at The Hawthorns have been really promising," he began. "In the games where Albion haven't been able to sell out, it's been very close to doing so."

"This shows that under Shilen Patel, the atmosphere around the club is really positive at the minute."

"Under Guochuan Lai, there were a few occasions where empty seats were a common occurrence, and you'd be able to see that on TV whenever we played at home," Burgess added.

"Since the beginning of this season, the stands have been much more full, and it's been quite difficult to spot any empty seats when travelling to The Hawthorns and seeing the stadium absolutely packed. It's a really good sign that the fans are behind the team."

"But, in terms of the atmosphere, I would say that pretty much all of the home games I've been to this season, it's been a bit disappointing," our fan pundit stated.

"Whilst they're making an effort to see the team, the fans need to try and be more vocal."

"There's been times where you'll hear the occasional moan or groan about something. I think if people put in the effort to support the team like they do when moaning at playing out from the back, the stadium would be an absolute fortress."

West Bromwich Albion's home form could be the catalyst behind a promotion bid

So far this season, Albion have averaged the seventh-highest home attendance with a figure of 24,797 in a stadium which holds 26,850.

It was revealed prior to the club's opening home game of the season against Leeds United that over 20,000 season tickets had been sold, which was understandably praised by Corberan.

"This can only make you feel proud, not just me, but for everyone who works for the club because we know it gives you a level of responsibility and determination to compensate them for what they are giving to you. This is only ever a positive for us."

Last season, Albion accumulated 49 of their 75 points in the regular season on home turf - the joint-fourth strongest record - but so far this season, we've seen a roll-reversal as the Baggies have the strongest away record with three wins out of four.

Of course, it's still early on in the campaign, but West Brom have overseen a mixed bag of results in B71 so far this season with two wins, as many draws and a solitary defeat to Middlesbrough on October 1st.

Many sides who challenge for automatic promotion are renowned for strong home form, and if the side can regain momentum in front of their own supporters after the international break, they could easily follow suit, which would have a knock-on effect on Burgess' wishes in terms of the overall atmosphere.