First of all I'd state the view that the Albion support still compares favourably with support given to other clubs at this level.
Also I'd say the support we had in the last two away matches against Villa was really outstanding.
Appreciate everyone gets a bit fired up for the local matches, but the vocal and positive support for the club is there.
Inevitably in all aspects of life, those with the most negative attitudes seem to "shout the loudest" whether it be on forums / social media or at the matches when things don't go well.
Reading the various online Albion sites over the past three weeks would lead many neutrals to believe there's some kind of crisis at the Albion (with all the hand wringing angst ridden over the top doom and gloom), and I sometimes wonder if there's an element of attention seeking with some who like to talk up temporary issues, and set backs, simply in order to get the focus on themselves and their righteousness, whether it be in their exaggerated concern or their tedious "suicide notes" as to why "I aye goin' up there again" for whatever reason is applicable at present (reasons generally subject to change, week by week).
As to improving the atmosphere and support, then that's up to all of us isn't it?
We have all the rose tinted memories of past era's being regurgitated. I was there, and there
were some great times, but let's not forget mass protests against former Chairmen, supporters refusing to leave the BRE after the 3-2 against Swansea (Gould era) or supporters kicking the Halfords Lane doors in frustration and anger after the 5-1 against Crewe, and going back further, crowds of around 8000 in the stadium and the club seemingly on the way to financial oblivion.
But there's generally 22000 Albion fans at The Hawthorns, and if we want to make the support better, then we can, and maybe get back to actually supporting the club itself, rather than the fixation on formations, tactics and individuals.
The present Albion hierarchy and management team are only temporary custodians, and personally I think they're generally OK and doing a decent job under difficult circumstances.
But we as supporters are, for the most part, in it for life (with the exception of those looking to jump ship whenever their sensitivities are rattled) and surely it's not just about the team itself (though clearly that IS important) but also what happens off the pitch, the atmosphere we create and the reputation we can gain as a good set of supporters with The Hawthorns being a lively place to visit.
I just feel some of our support need to get a sense of perspective, chill out a bit (try leaving the car at home and get a few beers down you pre-match) and focus on creating a good atmosphere on Saturday, and support the club to get back on track after the disapointments of the past 3 matches, rather than turning up and just jumping on any player making an error and generally sitting their with a miserable attitude, feeling sorry for themselves and with a face like a slapped backside.
It's a tough league unfortunately, and not always easy for clubs like Albion, and that's the way it is and until the good fairy sprinkles some magic dust on The Hawthorns to give us this football fantasy world that some expect, then it's unlikely to change and we're going to have dodgy spells.
Just my own thoughts on the present situation..........
