Alex Mowatt makes the Hawthorns claim - it involves West Brom v Southampton | OneFootball

The Hawthorns has now been Albion's home for 125 years

With West Bromwich Albion recently celebrating 125 years of their historic stadium, The Hawthorns, experienced midfielder Alex Mowatt has revealed his favourite atmosphere in B71.

The Baggies' iconic ground has seen plenty of great moments and players come and go over the course of its lengthy history, and supporters will be hoping to see many more of those in the years to come following the recent appointment of Ryan Mason.

After a disappointing 2024/25 campaign under a plethora of permanent and interim managers which ended in a ninth-place finish, there is genuine belief that the former Tottenham Hotspur midfielder and assistant head coach can bring the good times back to this part of the West Midlands amid a recent exile from the Premier League.

Since the turn of the millennium, Albion have rarely failed to shake off the tag of being a 'yo-yo' club amid a plethora of promotions to the top-flight and relegations to the EFL, with the likes of Norwich City also sharing the same misfortune.

Mowatt has become a household name in the Championship himself over the course of the past decade, previously coming through the ranks of Leeds United before making a real name for himself at Barnsley, prior to his move to The Hawthorns back in the summer of 2021.

As he looks to eventually feature in the top-flight for the first time in his career, the experienced playmaker has also spoken about his love for the Albion supporters and the electric atmosphere which can be created in this part of the world as part of the aforementioned landmark celebrations.

Alex Mowatt pinpoints West Brom play-off clash vs Southampton as his "best" Hawthorns experience

Speaking to the club's official media ahead of the encounter with Derby County, which the club used to mark the 125-year anniversary, the 30-year-old revealed that his favourite atmosphere as a Baggie came during the first leg of their play-off semi-finals against Southampton back in May 2024.

"There's been many great nights and it's a special stadium," Mowatt stated.

"For me, the best is probably the play-off game against Southampton. When the coach was driving in, the atmosphere around the place, when coming out for the game, was a special one for me and that's the best I've seen the atmosphere since I've been here," he added.

"There’s a passionate set of fans at Albion and you get that both ways. We always say when we’re doing well in matches, they’ll let you know and if they're not happy, they'll let you know too!

"I’ve really enjoyed my time here. There’ve been ups and downs, great nights and with the gaffer coming in this season, it feels like an exciting season ahead," the experienced midfielder claimed.

Alex Mowatt will hope The Hawthorns' atmosphere improves on previous Southampton memory

The clash with the Saints two seasons ago came just months after Shilen Patel's takeover of the club, although the play-off campaign would end in heartbreak for Mowatt, his teammates and Albion supporters.

After registering a goalless draw in the Midlands, Carlos Corberan's side were comprehensively beaten by Russell Martin's side thanks to goals from Will Smallbone and a double from Adam Armstrong in a 3-1 success in the return leg.

With Mason now at the helm two managers later, there is a strong sense of optimism that Albion can mount a sustained promotion bid having made several impressive transfer acquisitions despite the loss of Tom Fellows to the Saints.

Mowatt also echoed his commitment to the cause by penning a two-year contract extension in August, with the Yorkshireman now one of the senior members within the dressing room.