West Brom open to safe standing pilot

West Brom has confirmed they’re willing to participate in a pilot scheme for safe standing to the Premier League, according to Director of Operations Mark Miles.

The Premier League has written to every club in the division to enquire as to their interest in holding a trial ahead of the possible introduction of safe standing.

All-seater stadiums have been in place in the top two divisions of English football since the recommendation was made in the 1990 Taylor Report into the Hillsborough disaster.

Miles has previously visited Celtic’s Parkhead to see how the system would work – the club allow 2,600 fans to stand at games every week.

“I have written back to the Premier League and told them our position remains that we would be very keen to be involved in a pilot,” said Miles.

(Photo by Tony Marshall/Getty Images)

“It is the same message I have delivered verbally at previous meetings.”

“As I have made clear from the outset, this is something football will not be able to introduce without a change of legislation – and that can’t happen unless it is proven to provide a safer option for fans to watch games.

“But as my visit to Celtic demonstrated, there is little doubt that it was clearly welcomed by the supporters as well as creating a unique atmosphere.”