Football Ground Guide: Fans Reviews, The Hawthorns, West Bromwich Albion FC

The Hawthorns - West Bromwich Albion
Sunday 22nd October 2006
V Wolverhampton Wanderers, Championship League, 12 noon
By Sean Martin

1. Why you were looking forward to going to the ground (or not as the case may be)

Well, firstly before I begin I think I should be acknowledged for writing this review, due to this fixtures' woeful outcome! And me being as patriotic as I am, about my club Wolves, I myself find it surprising that I'm doing this. Never the less, my son's a baggie, so anyway. As you can imagine, prior to the game I was fired up for the local clash and ready for the journey to the Hawthorns. Living in Smethwick, I only had to embark on my journey. . via the bus!

2. How easy was your journey/finding the ground/car parking

Being situated 1 bus journey away I cannot really comment on the trip there, despite this I am aware that the West Brom ground is very easily located as it is just off junction 1, of the M5, and is sign - posted from there. Coaches arrive via police escort. For supporters travelling by car, there are several car parks spread out around the stadium but all have charges of around Ł3 - Ł6. Your safest bet is using the car park on the Halfords Lane, on the left hand side just before the entrance to the newly constructed W.B.A Youth Academy - which I must say looks very impressive, and rumour has it, that it is being developed as the largest in Europe! For those travelling by train, the West Brom Metro station (Hawthorns) is literally a 2 minute walk away from the ground, but be prepared because on exiting the train station you come out onto the Halford's Lane which is always heavily congested with HOME supporters, about half an hour before kick off on matchdays!

3. What you did before the game pub/chippy.... home fans friendly?

Being as drinking near the ground was out of the question, being a Wolves supporter, I had a few drinks in my local 'The Pheasant' before the fixture, and would have resumed inside the ground but was unsure weather they had stopped serving alcohol to away fans - especially the 'DINGLES .' I didn't eat before the game, but for those of you that want to, there are a number of burger vans and hot dog stands running along the Halfords Lane and the Birmingham Road End. There is also a large McDonalds situated over the road from the Jeff Astle Memorial Gates, on the corner of the East Stand/Brummie Road. In the way of pubs, there are a number around the stadium including, 'The Hawthorns', 'Wagon and Horses' and the 'The Blue Gates' pub is a little further away from the ground. Despite this, these pubs are there for the benefit of Home supporters only and are only accessed by wearing Albion colours!!

4. What you thought on seeing the ground, first impressions of away end then other sides of the ground?

I have been to the Hawthorns a numerous amount of times. I viewed the ground as being quite average, until the construction of the East Stand a few years back. It now looks very professional and stylish, and stands out from the others because of its sheer depth. Away fans are housed on the right hand side on entry) of the Smethwick End. This particular occasion, we were given approx 2,500 tickets, this came as great disappointment as we have always previously been allocated the whole stand! Despite this the Smethwick End is identical to its opposite stand, the Brummie Road End. They are both large stands, that are roofed and boxed in.

5. Comment on the game itself, atmosphere, stewards, pies, toilets etc..

Well, words cant describe how bad the Wolves performance was! They never showed an ounce of pride or passion in such a crucial game and they don't get much bigger than West Brom v Wolves! I just wish the players had of been aware of that! We were out played in every department, out classed. . and imminently. . OUTSUNG!! as much as it hurts to say these things, it is the bitter truth. I'd be a liar if I said there was no atmosphere as it was electric, the home supporters didn't stop chanting and taunting us at all. They sung throughout the whole of the game's duration. Start to finish. All I've heard since the game, is about the ' magnificent sight ' of the West Brom fans ' BOINGING ' But, we wont get into that!! The fixture in itself has a large negative point, regarding crowd violence! In past experiences is was deemed normal to witness fighting inside and outside the stadium but on this occasion it was not the story at all! The police and stewards were very much on top, and assessed the situation very well and professionally, and prevented any conflict whatsoever.

6. Comment on getting away from the ground after the game

At the full time whistle, Wolves fans were locked in for half an hour after the game for obvious reasons, as West Brom fans were filtered away from the ground! I think that the Wolves supporters were still shell - shocked by the 3-0 defeat, and just wanted to get home asap! There was no trouble directly outside the ground that I am aware of. For other supporters travelling, there's no question about getting away from the ground safely as you will, its just on these local derby games, where obviously all supporters have to be cautious.

7. Summary of overall thoughts of the day out

Overall, probably the WORST performance I've ever witnessed! The only hope is to wait until the return fixture at Molineux where we can HOPEFULLY make a amends but .. I doubt it! But personal matters aside ( ha ha ) sticking to the main topic ( the ground itself ), a very good ground, with a guaranteed lively. . and hostile crowd! ( ha ) All in all, bad day out for me, but could be a better one for you! WEST BROM are unbeaten so far these season. .so I'm waiting for someone to travel to the Hawthorns and drum 'em!!! Let me no when u do!!

Are you an away or general football fan who has visited the Hawthorns recently?
If so why not submit your own review of the ground and general day out?
Find out more about how to submit a review