Paul Barber has raised hopes of away fans returning to stadia this season.

Albion’s chief executive and deputy chairman has told staff to prepare to host about 7,500 spectators when the club end their home programme versus Manchester City in May.

He has welcomed Premier League plans to welcome spectators to the two final rounds of the season should the nation's exit of lockdown still be on course.

And he has confirmed he believes there will be away fans present.

The Argus reported recently that the proposed re-opening of stands this season was believed to include some away fans.

In his programme notes for the game against Newcastle, Barber wrote ﹕ “It was encouraging to hear Richard Masters, the Premier League’s CEO, confirm that it is the league’s desire to stage the final two match rounds of the current season with supporters in stadiums.

“This proposal would give all 20 clubs the opportunity to stage one home match each with the lower of 10,000 fans or 25% of stadium capacity, to include some provision, we believe, for away fans too.

ALBION PLAYER RATINGS FROM WIN OVER NEWCASTLE

“Assuming Government markers are met between now and then, the League’s plan would see fans back in all stadiums for the first time in what will be close to 14 months.

“Save for our pre-season test event and two home Premier League matches earlier this season – which saw a combined home fan attendance of just 6,500 people – it will be wonderful to see fans back here for the first time since Palace’s visit in February 2020.

“Looking further ahead to next season, and the prospect of much larger numbers of fans returning to the Amex and stadiums up and down the country, we will soon be launching details of our season-ticket packages for next season."

“Rest assured, we intend to reflect the current economic and health climate with a number of new features to add even greater value for those renewing.”