'Brutal', 'annoying', 'heaven' - West Brom fans react to fixture confirmation

There has been a mixed response to Albion’s 2026/27 fixture schedule after dates were confirmed on Thursday.

The Baggies have learned their fixtures for the new campaign, which includes two Black Country derbies against relegated Wolves, which fall immediately before clashes against Birmingham.

Also noteworthy in the list is a difficult opening to the campaign for new permanent head coach James Morrison.

Albion begin on the road at Norwich’s Carrow Road on August 15 before a home opener against relegated Premier League side Burnley the following weekend.

The next Championship clash is at Middlesbrough on August 22.

Albion’s run-in at the end of the campaign reads easier, with back-to-back clashes against promoted sides Cardiff and Bolton to finish.

Here are some of the views from the Albion faithful as they reacted.

Baggies fan Matt McArdle was not overly optimistic about his side’s start. He posted: “That is a truly horrendous start in August.”

Dylan on X agreed, he wrote: “Decent end but a brutal start.”

Rohan Stretch was not happy with a trip along the A14 for his side’s first game. He said: “Away at Norwich is such a disappointing opener.”

A first trip to newly-promoted Lincoln’s Sincil Bank has been scheduled for Boxing Day, offering a festive chance at a new ground for many.

But Baggies fan Tom Bettam was uninspired, adding: “Lincoln away on Boxing Day is annoying, it was one I was keen to go to.”

The Black Country derby clashes were always going to provide a talking point and this season both have fallen immediately before clashes against fellow local rivals Birmingham.

There is, however, a three-week international break separating Wolves away on September 19 and Blues at home on October 10. In February Albion welcome Wolves on February 20 before a trip to St Andrew’s on February 27.

Albion fan Amelia posted: “Why do we always play “local derbies” back to back? Always used to be Cov and Blues now it’s Wolves and Blues.”

Connor was unsure, he said: “Who allowed wolves then blues back to back?”

But Owen Gadd disagreed: “Wolves then Blues. Heaven.”