West Midlands football clubs stand up for terrace return

A survey by the Football Supporters' Federation reveals 96 per cent of nearly 2,500 fans were behind the idea.

And now clubs have said they are willing to have discussions on how it could work. Aston Villa have even offered to conduct a trial of 'rail seats', which can either be unlocked or locked to create a standing or seated area inside a stadium.

All-seater stadiums have been compulsory in the Premier League and Championship since an inquiry into the 1989 Hillsborough disaster, which claimed the lives of 96 Liverpool fans.

League One side Bristol City are the first British club to install rail seats, but they are only removed for rugby matches at the ground.

Wolves chiefs said they want an 'informed debate' on the issue and would not rule out letting fans stand at Molineux in the future.

Spokesman Matt Grayson said any discussions must be 'backed by facts' and added: "We are keeping a close eye on developments and will see if it will have any part of future developments at Molineux."

Only clubs below the Championship are allowed to have standing zones but League One Walsall FC bosses say they would consider it if the laws changed.

Chief executive Stefan Gamble said: "Safe standing is not something we are currently considering.

"However, should there be a change in the legislation and an appetite amongst our supporters, we would be keen to investigate the feasibility of safe standing here at the Banks's Stadium."

And West Brom chief executive Mark Jenkins said the club was 'monitoring' the issue and would want to see how a trial at another club went first.

He said: "We are constantly monitoring this. Converting to a standing area isn't quite as straightforward as it may appear because concourses and seating areas have been constructed specifically to meet the requirements of all-seater stadia and our capacity.

"But if this trial were to go ahead we would certainly be interested to view the results. But, as I say, it is an issue we are always monitoring."

The survey also suggested that 84 per cent believe it would mean fewer problems between stewards and fans and 97 per cent believed technology can make standing safe at grounds.

Last year Manchester United chief executive Ed Woodward said he would support the principle of having safe standing at Old Trafford.

A Villa spokesman said: "There is clear support among Villa fans for further discussion and real engagement on this issue."