DARREN Moore says Albion’s away-day followings are reminiscent of the support he experienced as a player during his two promotions with the club.
The Baggies will be backed by well over 3,000 supporters at Preston on Saturday, having already sold out at Nottingham Forest and Birmingham City earlier this season.
Darren and his team-mates received incredible support on the road throughout the 2001/02 and 2003/04 seasons as then-manager Gary Megson took Albion to the Premier League.
And Moore hopes to reward the Club’s travelling band of fans with more wins away from The Hawthorns.
“I’m really proud of our fans and it’s an honour to have them backing us,” he said.
“What the fans have to realise is that their support is valuable. I’m really pleased with the home attendances and also the away-day following that we’ve had.
“They have been absolutely excellent and I can sit here and say that because I’m a former player here and I had some successful campaigns here with the promotions.
“I know what a huge part they play so sitting here as the head coach I’m echoing the same things.
“It’s great to see the feeling and the atmosphere around the place, how they get behind the team, and again, if we are to do well in this league then the fans will have definitely played their part.
“Their role is really, really important and it’s recognised by the players, by the staff, and certainly by myself.
“I’m grateful to them, I’d like to thank them all, and I thank them for their patience because there is a new style of play here, and they’ve persevered with that.
“The way they get behind the players helps them relax and brings them confidence. By getting behind them we’ve seen the team and the players do well and express themselves and goals have followed that.
“The fans have played a huge part in that.
“Stay patient with us, stay behind the team, because your support is so valuable.
“Their commitment is second-to-none and taking over 3,000 to Preston shows their intent and their support for the team.
“We’re very grateful and we look forward to seeing them tomorrow and I appreciate it.”