Graham Potter has played down any advantage Albion might have from their home crowd.

But that is not because he does not appreciate the long-awaited return of spectators.

Albion’s head coach does not deny there should be a benefit to having 2,000 home fans, which clubs in tier three do not enjoy.

He would just rather concentrate on a bigger picture right now regarding this tentative first step towards normality.

If Albion and nine other tier two outfits get this first bit right, it will help all clubs re-open the turnstiles.

Potter said: “I understand the competitive advantage.

“But we are in the midst of coming out of a global pandemic so sometimes you have to zoom out a little bit from that.

“We’re at a stage now where football needs supporters back and however we start that process, the better.

“If there was a situation where you’re playing against a team that’s in a tier three area and they can’t have supporters in, it’s not the end of the world for me.

“Whatever is good for the game and gets supporters back is best.

“If you’re talking about a full Amex compared to an empty stadium then yes, there is an advantage, but it’s 2,000.”

There was a point Potter did not spell out but he would have had every right to.

That is aligned to the fact that not everything can be fair in these days of temporary and partial stadium closures.

Last season, Albion visited both Liverpool and Manchester United in front of full stands.

The return fixtures were both played with no crowds at the Amex to cheer on the home team.

Albion have already hosted both North West giants again in an empty stadium this season.

The return fixtures could be behind closed doors, before full crowds or anywhere in between the two.

But there is the key.

Given the choice, Albion would rather play at Anfield and Old Trafford in front of big, partisan home supports than empty seats.

Potter hopes his players embrace the return of the public.

For Tariq Lamptey, Danny Welbeck and Joel Veltman, it will be a first chance to play competitive football for Albion in front of their supporters.

Potter said: “We hope that it’s a really positive impact “I am sure the players will look forward to seeing them and playing in front of them. It’s what makes football, ultimately.

“We have had games at home even after lockdown – Manchester United, Manchester City, Liverpool – which are arguably the ones where you really need the supporters and we have had to play those behind closed doors.

“We hope we can use the support, we hope that we can play well and get them involved in the game, that they provide a good atmosphere and that can help us against a good opponent and get a positive result.

“We hope everybody thinks it’s a positive. Clearly it’s a step in the right direction and we are excited for it.

“The event in the summer (versus Chelsea, when 2,500 attended) was really positive and we really enjoyed it.

“Hopefully we can give them a good performance, something to cheer and to enjoy.

“But it’s just good to have them back after such a long time.”

Asked what he had missed over the last nine months, Potter said: “Just the buzz of the people, that’s the biggest thing. The increase of participation in the game, the noise around the game.

“They bring an extra challenge to the game, they bring another dimension.

“Some of the variables make it more difficult, but that’s what you want, you want that ultimate challenge and the supporters bring that.”