Barber: Return will be an occasion to cherish

People's health and wellbeing is the priority, but Albion's chief executive says the first game back will be a special event.

Bruce Talbot

2020-03-28T08:30:00Z

Tomorrow night's Fan Forum will now be held online.

Paul Barber says it will be an ‘occasion to cherish’ when football returns to the Amex.

Albion’s chief executive and deputy chairman admits that seems a long way off at the moment as the country self-isolates to help fight the coronavirus pandemic.

But, like all Albion fans, Barber is looking forward to a return to Premier League action whenever it comes.

“It is hard to imagine at the moment but if this period of isolation goes on for a long time then any kind of release from it would be emotional and something to be cherished by people,” he said.

“I can only imagine it would be like the first game of a new season – times a factor of whatever, it will be a very special occasion for everybody.

“Not least because it would mean the virus, or at least the worst of it, would hopefully be over and that as many people as possible have come through unscathed.

“I think it would be a big emotional release for everyone.”