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Sam Allardyce has welcomed the return of supporters to Premier League stadia - and hopes West Bromwich Albion fans can help his side secure a win against West Ham in their final home game of the season tonight.

Albion, who have already been relegated to the Championship after just one season in the Premier League are expected to host around 5,500 fans at The Hawthorns on Wednesday evening when Europa League-chasing West Ham provide the opposition.

And former Hammers boss Allardyce is hoping the return of supporters can spur his team on to record a morale-boosting victory, on what potentially promises to be a "special" night.




“I think the fans can make a huge difference," said Allardyce during his pre-match press conference. "We’ve certainly missed them and the encouragement they give us this season.

"I’m sure the players will have the hair on the back of their necks sticking up when they run out on to the pitch on Wednesday night, because it has been that long since we’ve had supporters inside a stadium.

“The last time they experienced a fan atmosphere was when we drew 1-1 at Liverpool in December.

“We’ve got around 5,500 inside The Hawthorns on Wednesday and that will be such a thrill for everyone involved. It’s certainly going to be special. The fans getting behind the team and supporting them is what I’m hoping can be the difference for us in terms of getting a victory.

“I sometimes think about what might have been if they had been here at The Hawthorns throughout the campaign," he continued. "We’ve had plenty of draws and I just wonder if their support may have pushed us over the line to get the victory like home fans do.

“When fans see the game in the balance they get behind their team and give the players the adrenaline to give an extra five per cent which can help towards getting victories.

“I’m sure the players will enjoy the reception they will get from the fans and I hope we can send them home happy with a victory.”

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