Paul Barber has urged fans to reserve judgement on the decision to scrap FA Cup replays from round one onwards.

But he has suggested he expects to change to ultimately be proved to be a positive one.

In Albion’s match programme for the visit of Manchester City, the chief executive and deputy chairman wrote: “We can all remember some great David-and-Goliath type replays and, for the clubs and fans involved, they have always been great occasions.

“In reality, however, such contests are rare and whilst they are typically well-supported and can be valuable for smaller clubs when they do occur, it’s undeniable that many replays are far less attractive and do not capture the imagination of fans in the same way.”

Barber recalled relatively recent Albion replays at West Brom and Hull City which attracted away followings of 555 and 370 respectively.

He added: “The issue of whether replays should stay or go is not quite as simple as some have made out – and neither was the decision to scrap replays the result of a simple vote by a single FA committee.

“The future of FA Cup replays is part of a much bigger picture and has been part of a much larger debate involving all football authorities for a very long time.

“My sense is it will be wise to see how the wider picture plays out first.

“It is entirely possible that one-off matches played to a finish will end up being preferred by everyone - clubs, players, managers, fans, local authorities, police and media alike - and may end up giving smaller clubs a better chance of progressing in the competition against bigger rivals while increasing revenue through prize money and additional gate receipts and producing greater excitement and better value for our fans.”