The top man at West Brom said the club would want to get on board with a Birmingham Commonwealth Games .

The Mail revealed today the city was bidding to host the 2026 Commonwealth Games, bringing the eyes of the sporting world here.

John Williams, chairman of West Bromwich Albion, said he was excited by the prospect – and hoped the Hawthorns club could potentially play a part.

He said: “It’s exciting to learn that Birmingham intends to bid for the right to host the Commonwealth Games in 2026.

“The West Midlands has a terrific passion for sport, welcoming tens of thousands of fans at stadia across the region each weekend – including at The Hawthorns, which is hosting Premier League football for the seventh consecutive season.

“As one of the founding members of the Football League and one of the earliest winners of the FA Cup, Albion have played a leading role in this area’s unrivalled sporting heritage. If Birmingham’s bid is successful, we look forward to welcoming teams from across the Commonwealth to make the most of the club’s world-class facilities.”

Meanwhile, Baggies fan and mayor candidate Sion Simon, who previously told the Mail he did not support a bid for the Games, has released a statement saying he is coming round to the idea.

The MEP and Labour candidate for West Midlands Mayor said: “Yes I’m behind the bid. I’ve had good discussions with Birmingham City Council, who’ve assured me that only in name, because those are the rules, is it a Birmingham bid; that in reality it will be about delivering economic benefits to the whole West Midlands region. On that basis, and the assurance of support from across the whole of the West Midlands, then I’m happy to get behind it.”