Baggies buy pub next door to ground

West Bromwich Albion has bought historic pub The Hawthorns, situated in the shadow of the club's stadium.

The pub, which shares the name with Albion's famous ground, is a Grade II listed building dating back to 1840 and has been a popular matchday drinking spot and home to the supporters' Throstles club over the years.

Albion outbid other interested parties to take over the freehold for the Birmingham Road pub, based on the junction with Halfords Lane, which was sold through Christie & Co for an undisclosed sum.

The detached property includes a bar with room for 150, a 200-person lounge/function room, a 100-space car park, and four-bedroomed accommodation.

Gavin Wright, Director at Christie & Co, said: "Following a successful marketing campaign we carried out in excess of 30 viewings and received several offers following a best and final offers process for this well-located pub."

The club has yet to reveal its plans for the building but Albion fans have said they hope the run-down pub can be turned into an up-to-date facility for supporters.

Former Albion fan of the year and supporters' club member, Terry Wills, aged 75, from Stirchley, said it was a surprise to hear the club had taken over the nearby pub but it was about time if was given a revamp.