Albion are set to bank record payments from the Premier League after their best ever season.

They are expected to collect £142 million once various factors, including prize money for sixth place, their share of domestic and international TV deals and payments for individual matches being shown live, are totted up.

The precise figure will be confirmed at the Premier League annual meeting in the next fortnight.

Their previous best was the £130 million they received last year after finishing ninth.

Unprecedented sales of tickets, hospitality and merchandise will also contribute towards what is sure to be record turnover this season.

Details of the expected prize payments underline Albion’s high standing in the Premier League.

But they also suggest TV companies missed a chance to enjoy some of the best football in the top tier on a more regular basis.

Albion’s prize fund included fees for a relatively modest tally of 15 live games.

There was a four-month, 13-match period after New Year’s Eve when no Albion league games were shown live on TV.

Only five teams were shown on fewer occasions.

Struggling Everton and Leeds appeared live on 20 and 19 occasions respectively, West Ham 21 times and Chelsea 24 times.

The relative lack of live TV games is bad news financially but good news for fans who do not like fixtures to be rescheduled.

Albion had nine 3pm Saturday games at home and eight away (plus a 3pm on Boxing Day).