West Brom expected to keep cardboard clappers for rest of the season after successful introduction
Albion are planning to keep their cardboard clappers for the rest of the season and are already looking into other initiatives to help re-energise The Hawthorns.
Each home fan found a new noise-making freebie on their seat for Saturday's crucial home game against Brighton and Hove Albion, and they helped the supporters roar the Baggies on to their first victory in the Premier League since August.
The idea to introduce the clappers came from Chief Executive Martin Goodman, who has been looking into ways to build atmosphere at the stadium since he joined the club just over a year ago.
The board also spoke with Alan Pardew beforehand about ways to get The Hawthorns rocking.
The new head coach has been eager to tap in to the fanbase in order to help lift Albion clear of danger and he thanked supporters for their role in the 2-0 win over the Seagulls, describing the atmosphere as 'the biggest highlight' of the day.
The clappers, which cost in the region of £10,000, were also a hit with the players, and Chris Brunt reckons it was money well spent.
“There was a good atmosphere and the clappers seemed to work," he said. "That was money well invested so the crowd were right behind us and we gave them something to shout about, which is always good."
Goalscorer Craig Dawson also hailed the impact of the supporters.
"The fans played a massive part and the atmosphere was brilliant," he said. "We've got to keep doing that every week, to be fair the supporters have, and we need them now more than ever.
"They were the added man. Hopefully it will be the same again for the next home game."
Before the match, the idea to introduce the clappers – which were popularised by Leicester City during their title-winning campaign – was derided by a small section of supporters on social media.
However, they were well-received by large sections of the ground on Saturday and are now expected to be a permanent fixture until the end of the season.
"If we can get a home crowd like that in the remaining games we'll win enough," said Pardew.
Albion don't have another home game this month but their next five league fixtures at The Hawthorns are against Southampton, Huddersfield, Leicester, Burnley and Swansea.
Dawson was forced off towards the end of the fixture after a clash of heads with team-mate Ahmed Hegazi.
However, even though the Egyptian stayed on, he was more groggy after the game than Dawson, and had to be taken home by a medic.
He improved on Sunday, and along with Dawson, will be assessed this week ahead of the trip to Everton.
