West Brom chief Xu Ke details plans for ticket ballot ahead of Aston Villa clash

In an open letter to supporters, the recently appointed CEO outlined plans for fans to return to The Hawthorns should the government relax the current coronavirus restrictions in the Sandwell area.

West Bromwich is currently under tier three restrictions - meaning no fans can attend games.

But the tiers are up for review on Wednesday with an announcement expected on Thursday.

And if the region is downgraded to tier two - 2,000 fans will be able to attend the derby with Villa on Sunday.

Albion's CEO, who is known as Ken, has also confirmed all standard tickets sold will cost just £23, while the club will also run it's usual concessionary rates, whenever fans are permitted back.

The Baggies have made significant loses during the coronavirus pandemic with some rival clubs in the Premier League and Championship having used the return of fans to ramp up ticket prices.

But despite demand sure to be high, Albion have set their price at £23 which, to date, is currently the cheapest in the Premier League.

The ballot for the Villa game will open on Monday with fans who had a season ticket last year or who have agreed to purchase a season ticket for the 2021/22 campaign able to enter.

Due to government guidelines all applications have to be made online. However, supporters can someone to enter on their behalf if they don't have access to the internet.

Once entered fans will receive a confirmation email.

If successful, they will then receive a second email requesting payment if the government does downgrade Sandwell to a tier two region.

Fans who aren't lucky enough to win in the first ballot will then be prioritised for future ballots.

In his open letter to supporters, Ken said: "Dear supporter, I hope you and your family are safe and well. In what has been a very difficult year for everyone, I hope that we can now all start looking forward to a brighter future.

Part of that brighter future is hopefully a return to your second home, The Hawthorns. It has certainly not been the same without you.

I am writing to provide an update on the club's preparations for the safe return of fans to The Hawthorns should the UK Government's review of regional restrictions next week result in a change of tier for Sandwell.

Home games will continue to be played behind closed doors while Sandwell remains in Tier 3 - but 2,000 supporters could return if the borough is placed in Tier 2.

How best to allocate 2,000 seats has been carefully considered and we have decided the only fair way forward is to sell tickets by ballot to 2019/20 and/or 2020/21 season-ticket holders.

"The ballot for the Villa game, which will be played on Sunday, December 20 (ko 7.15pm), will open on Monday, December 14 – before any changes in restrictions have been announced by Government. We believe this is the only practical way in which we can process ticket applications and health checks in the limited time we have available.

"We have decided to offer tickets based on the matchday prices that were on offer when fans were last at The Hawthorns in March, with adult tickets priced at £23, while the normal concessionary rates will also be available. All 2,000 supporters will be located in the East Stand.

Ticket prices: Adult - £23, 65+ - £17, Under 23 - £15, Disabled - £10, Under 18 - £10, Under 11 - £5.

Stay tuned to the club's website for further ballot details on Monday but, for now, please ensure you are ready to enter the ballot if you wish to do so. You can do this by registering for a free My Albion account, which must also be linked to your existing ticketing account. If you wish to apply for others you should add them to your friends and family list. Click here

for instructions on how to do so.

We have been working tirelessly to prepare The Hawthorns for your safe return and while your matchday experience will be markedly different from your last, we have done everything in our power to ensure it is as safe as possible. Fans can learn more about the changes we have made to ensure their safety at wba.co.uk/return-of-fans 2020 has been a year like no other and the return of fans – albeit in limited numbers – will offer us all some festive cheer after a difficult nine months.

We have all missed having supporters inside the stadium, and while our promotion to the Premier League in July was a memorable night, it was bittersweet without fans there to celebrate it with us.

Now, with the roll out of a COVID-19 vaccine, we hope normal life can soon resume. I know for many of you walking back into The Hawthorns will be a significant landmark in what has been a very difficult year.

I hope to see you all there soon. Best wishes. Xu Ke."