Slaven Bilic appointment leads to surge in West Brom season ticket sales
Slaven Bilic's appointment as Albion head coach led to a surge in season ticket sales at The Hawthorns.
The Baggies saw an upturn in purchases in the first week of the Croatian's tenure, and have now sold more than 16,000 seats in total.
It means the club have currently sold roughly 500 more seats than this stage last summer.
The Baggies sold more than 15,000 early bird season tickets before the end of April, before a natural fallow period, but a recent spike has taken sales beyond 16,000.
Last season, the Baggies sold around 18,000 seats in total, although that number includes a healthy bunch of half-season tickets midway through the season after a goal-laden start under Darren Moore.
That was an increase on Albion's last two seasons in the Premier League, when they sold 16,750 and 17,350 respectively.
It's hoped Bilic's first season in charge will see more seats sold than both of those seasons.
Albion's early bird prices were one of the cheapest in the top two tiers, with adults behind the goals able to buy a seat for £329.
Prices have increased since that deadline at the end of April, with the cheapest adult seat now available for £359.
Bilic is due to be officially unveiled on Monday, the first day of pre-season, after meeting his new players in the morning.
The 50-year-old's arrival has been warmly received by the Albion fanbase and according to an Express & Star poll, 82 per cent of fans are happy with the appointment.
Bilic is expected to rebuild the squad this summer, but technical director Luke Dowling told sponsors this week that he wanted 22-goal striker Jay Rodriguez to stay.
Rodriguez has a £10million release clause in his contract that runs out in mid-July, but no move away from Albion is thought to be imminent.
Albion's new boss is also planning to look at Gareth Barry once he returns from knee surgery before deciding whether to offer him a new deal.
Meanwhile, Albion have completed the signing of 17-year-old Cirencester Town forward Owen Windsor.
The teenager, who also interested Bristol City and Chelsea, has signed a three-year contract at The Hawthorns.
