West Brom: Guochuan Lai name-dropped as Premier League message issued to Shilen Patel | OneFootball

FLW's West Brom fan pundit has issued a message to owner Shilen Patel

This article is part of Football League World's 'Terrace Talk' series, which provides personal opinions from our FLW Fan Pundits regarding the latest breaking news, teams, players, managers, potential signings and more…

West Brom are once again in the mix for promotion to the Premier League this year.

The Baggies finished fifth in the Championship last season, but missed out on a top flight return with a play-off loss to Southampton.

Tony Mowbray’s side are fifth in the table with just 12 games remaining, but they face stiff competition from a number of clubs for the coveted spot inside the top six.

Owner Shilen Patel will be keen to see his team in the fight to the end, with the club’s ambition being a return to the top division for the first time since 2021.

West Brom ownership message sent to Shilen Patel

When asked what message he would give Patel, FLW’s West Brom fan pundit Callum Burgess urged him to keep doing what he’s been doing since taking over the club last year.

He believes the investment into Albion, such as through the training ground or in the first team squad, has been great, and that he’s putting the club on the path back to the Premier League, whereas previous custodian Guochian Lai was financially ruining the Midlands outfit.

“If I could send one message to Shilen Patel at this moment in time, it’s probably to keep doing what he’s doing with his investment into the club,” Callum told Football League World.

“Since he’s arrived here, he’s invested into the training ground and done a great job with Albion’s recruitment team as well in finding solutions to some difficult problems.

“With the likes of [Okay] Yokuslu, [Brandon] Asante, Conor Townsend, Alex Palmer leaving the club, they’ve done well in dealing with the tumultuous end of Guochuan Lai’s era.

“There’s no doubt still lingering effects that are affecting the club, but I still think they’re doing a great job in the circumstances.

“So, my message would be to keep doing what he has been doing since he arrived at the club last season.

“And, if we do keep this up, then hopefully in the near future Albion will be in the Premier League once again.”

West Brom project has potential to come together

West Brom had to overcome some financial difficulties even with the takeover, which has held them back in terms of spending power compared to rivals.

However, their recruitment has been smart and the team is heading in the right direction.

Even with Carlos Corberan departing midway through the campaign, they have been able to sustain a play-off push.

While promotion this year may be a step too far too soon for the club, there is no doubt that the potential is there to compete again in the next 12 months.