Baggies museum pub plan

A derelict pub standing in the shadows of The Hawthorns could be turned into a memorabilia museum for West Bromwich Albion, it was revealed today.

Supporters want to see The Hawthorns public house transformed into an archive celebrating the side's history.

Club bosses today said that they were open minded to the idea and would consider all options.

The Grade II-listed pub dates back to 1840 and was once a popular matchday drinking spot and home to the Throstle supporters' club.

Albion snapped up the freehold in January last year after it closed down in 2009 but have yet to unveil any official plans for the Birmingham Road building.

Now, the official fans' group has come up with a proposal to transform it into a museum celebrating the club's heritage.

Chairman John Homer said: "It would be ideal as an Albion museum and visitor centre and they could use the car park on match days. It's got a great connection with the history of the club. One of the most iconic images from the club's past is players photographed outside it with the 1920 Championship trophy."

West Bromwich Albion spokesman Oliver Bhurrut said whatever the outcome, the club wanted to see the building back in use within three years.

He said: "We haven't considered converting The Hawthorns pub into a museum as we have invested heavily in decorating the interior with memorabilia. But we continue to keep an open mind regarding the pub, which is a protected listed building."