1

West Bromwich Albion FC / Re: Stadium Expansion

« on: August 08, 2016, 10:38:50 AM »

Jeremy Peace spoke about a new 11,000-seat single tier West Stand back in 2007, but I can't find a link to his announcement.

The club subsequently deferred the plan because of the economic situation and instead went ahead with a cheaper West Stand refurbishment. But I bet that 2007 plan is the preferred way forward.

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West Bromwich Albion FC / Re: Stadium Expansion

« on: August 07, 2016, 06:48:44 PM »

The club's objective must be to maximise match day revenue, as a contributor to overall profitability. And I'm sure it has correctly set ticket prices so that the stadium is normally almost full.

To compete in the Premier League, the fan base has to increase. The club recognises this and has said its development plan is to re-build the West Stand, as a mirror image of the East Stand. This will entail re-aligning Halfords Lane to create space for the new stand. Filling in the Woodman & Centenary Corners were declared not to be cost-effective—although this might change if the club could command higher admission prices.

I suspect the development plan has been on hold whilst Jeremy Peace has concentrated on his sale. But now it will be time for the new owners to reveal their ambitions, with investment in players and in the stadium.

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West Bromwich Albion FC / Re: Stadium Expansion

« on: May 17, 2016, 03:13:26 PM »

Those who oppose stadium expansion are worried that all the added seats will remain empty—on the assumption we have a fixed number of fans. But that is surely wrong, because the number of empty seats also reflects how prices have been set to maximise club revenue.

I argue that after ground expansion the club would reduce ticket prices to fill most of the added seats. In the longer term the team would then be playing to 30,000 gates rather than 25,000 as at present. The club would be making more at the turnstiles. 

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West Bromwich Albion FC / Re: Stadium Expansion

« on: May 16, 2016, 06:14:53 PM »

I live east of London but travel to all home games at The Hawthorns. I note that the four big  London teams will soon all be playing in 60,000-capacity stadiums. A gulf has opened between the elite and the rest.

Surely it's now urgent for Albion to make a modest move to increase ground capacity—to 30,000 plus with a Halfords Lane rebuild. Of course Chairman Peace will be reluctant to embark on a project whilst he's trying to sell the club, but in other respects, this is the right time:

. The club is about to receive added TV cash
. Low interest rates make investment attractive
. Premier League match day appeal rises every year
. Surrounding clubs offer feeble competition.

Can the club reassure us that it is doing everything possible to consolidate its Premier League status?

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Albion Matchday Forum / Re: Ratings

« on: January 20, 2015, 10:27:19 AM »

I noticed after the game that Pulis mentioned the midfielders by name and that they gave the ball away too often.  Clearly a cause for concern.

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West Bromwich Albion FC / Albion Player

« on: September 15, 2012, 05:45:11 PM »

I tuned in to Albion Player for the first time this season only to discover that the commentary team (including Dave Bowler) has been replaced by a feed from Free Radio (formerly BRMB).

Can someone explain if this change is permanent because the new commentary lacks the insights and humour we enjoyed last season?

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West Bromwich Albion FC / Re: Your season ticket decision, renewal or new purchase

« on: May 03, 2012, 11:24:33 AM »

Can anyone explain why the club has capped the number of season tickets for next season at 20,000?
My own view for what it's worth is that ground capacity will be down to this number whilst the West Stand is being re-developed. So in the not-too-distant future, the only way to see a game will be via a season ticket!

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West Bromwich Albion FC / Paul Scharner—Man of Music

« on: March 11, 2012, 02:00:16 PM »

i wonder if you are aware of Private Passions, a programme on BBC Radio3 where people in the public eye talk about their life and musical interests. It's on Sundays at 12 noon.
The guest next week (Mar 18) is — Paul Scharner. Should be an interesting programme, but don't expect any pop or rock!

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West Bromwich Albion FC / Our well organised club

« on: February 25, 2012, 10:30:29 PM »

We are very fortunate that the club we support punches above its weight.
Commenting on the new manager shambles at Molineux, the 'Express & Star' says that Wolves could learn a lesson or two from WBA, where a list of possible replacements for Roy Hodgson will already exist.
And respected Chris Lepkowski of the 'Birmingham Mail' writes that the club, sensing that the time is right, has begun planning a replacement for the Halfords Lane stand.
I may be a naive optimist, bur I feel more confident of the future now than I have since the 1970s. And the chairman must take most of the credit for this.

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West Bromwich Albion FC / Re: Peter Odemwingie Joins Cardiff City

« on: January 28, 2012, 10:35:06 AM »

When I first reported the story in 'The Times' that WBA had offered Odemwingie to QPR, many said it was a piece of lazy journalistic nonsense. Now it is clear that the story was true.

Odemwingie's demeanour shows he is unhappy and the coach has expressed his frustration with the player. He will be gone soon, before his value declines too far.

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West Bromwich Albion FC / Re: Peter Odemwingie Joins Cardiff City

« on: January 11, 2012, 06:49:42 PM »

Sorry, but The Times is hidden behind a pay wall, so you can't see it unless you subscribe to the newspaper.
Perhaps someone else can check to confirm I'm not dreaming!

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West Bromwich Albion FC / Peter Odemwingie Joins Cardiff City

« on: January 11, 2012, 06:21:54 PM »

A curious report in The Times today (11/01/12).
QPR have been offered Odemwinge, who is surplus to requirements at WBA.