After a fantastic World Cup in Russia, where England were eventually beaten 2-1 by Croatia in the semi finals, it''s probably safe to say that fans were looking forward to the new season more than ever and it was great to be back at the Hawthorns again. West Brom'' fans had mixed feelings about the new season with the loss of stalwarts such as Ben Foster to Watford, Jonny Evans to Leicester City, James McClean to Stoke and a swap deal which saw Salomón Rondon go to Newcastle and Dwight Gayle come the other way, though fan fave James Morrison is fit again after a long layoff. After a more thorough search than previously, we made our way into the FanZone, which was full as usual but something wasn''t quite right. The big screen was still there, showing Newcastle v Spurs, but the stage was missing. At most of the home games the stage usually had a live band, former Baggies legends being interviewed and the young mascots giving their predictions for the days game. But the stage was no more. Also a few of the drinks and food outlets had disappeared. At a guess their absence is due to the drop into the Championship and the costs or maybe the club are just renegotiating contracts. Hopefully all will be back to normal soon. The game itself was more or less a sellout and the concourse under the Brummy Rd end was brimming with fans, some full of hope and positivity for the new season, and some not quite so. Up the the steps into the sunshine and the pitch looked lush and fresh as the teams warmed up. Pre match a few supporters groups walked their flags around the ground to warm applause, the highlight though was the new mascot. Baggie Bird was there as usual having photos with the kids, but what''s that unusual creature stood next to him? Just as an explanation, West Broms new sponsor is Ideal Boilers. So the new mascot is......a boiler. Yes, there is a person wearing a white foam boiler wandering round the Thorns. It''s either one of the greatest, or daftest certainly one of the most bizarre mascots ever. It brought hoots of disbelieving laughter from the home fans, who at that point decided things could only get better from here and chants of what the... hell is that from Bolton. Either way the advertising folk earned their money because Social Media was all over it. // End of Season:- Bolton Wanderers eventually finished 23rd on 32 points and were relegated.