Sam Allardyce wants returning fans to fire up West Brom

For the first time since March last year, Baggies supporters will be allowed into The Hawthorns to cheer on their team.

Approximately 6,000 spectators will be in attendance after the government eased restrictions imposed because of the coronavirus pandemic.

It means Allardyce will manage the Baggies for the very first time in front of a home crowd. And the boss is backing his players to put on a show.

“I think when the players run out they are going to be lifted by the fans,” the 66-year-old said. “I think the hairs on the back of their necks are going to stand up.

“It’s been so long since they experienced that fan atmosphere at The Hawthorns.

“We are going to get around 6,000 into The Hawthorns. The run out and thrill that is going to give the players, hopefully that will be the difference for them and will inspire them to beat West Ham.

“We really want to send them home on Wednesday feeling good.”

Albion enter the game with their relegation to the Championship having already been confirmed.

But despite that disappointment, Allardyce feels the fans at the game will show nothing but support for their side.

“I think the fans will be pleased to be back and to have the chance to support their team,” the boss added.

“I think they’ll get behind them. Sometimes I think what might have been if they had been here at The Hawthorns.

“I think some of the draws we’ve had, we may have pushed on and got the win with their support and the lift they would have given the team.

“When they see the game in the balance they get behind the team and cheer the team on and that affects the psyche of the players.

“It helps them to give or do that little bit more – to produce that something because of the extra adrenaline.

“But unfortunately we haven’t had that for a long time.”