West Brom have finally entered an exciting new era in the club’s history this week.
After months of negotiations, it was confirmed on Wednesday night that Shilen Patel’s company, Bilkul Football, has completed its takeover of the club.
The Florida-based businessman has now been confirmed to have taken over his new role as chairman at The Hawthorns.
That has brought an end to more than seven years of ownership of the club, for Guochuan Lai.
Now, it seems as though Patel is already putting plans into place for just how he will back West Brom from a financial perspective, that should encourage supporters.
Shilen Patel outlines financial plans for West Brom
Under Lai, the Baggies have not always enjoyed the most significant financial backing to say the least.
Indeed, across the summer and January transfer windows this season, West Brom have not spent any money on transfer fees.
That has come amid financial constraints that have at some points led to questions about the future of the club.
West Brom fans will therefore be keen to know how that situation might change under Patel.
Asked whether the club can expect more backing financially under his stewardship, Patel told the club’s official website:
“There’s a lot that goes into running the club in this league and we have to be cognizant of all those things.
“I think that when you’re a club that’s in the situation that Albion is in now, without the parachute money, the rules simply do not allow you to buy your way back to the Premier League. You have to earn it.
“We have to find a way to run with discipline and stay on the right side of the rules that exist now and the rules that are probably coming in the future.
“I think to be a responsible and sustainable operation is crucial. The club is going to have what it needs to operate within the boundaries of the league.
“We’re absolutely going to have to increase our expertise in getting the most out of everything in front of us.”
On the pitch, West Brom are still 5th in the Championship table. Carlos Corberan‘s side are next in action when they host play-off rivals Coventry City at The Hawthorns in front of the Sky Sports cameras.
Baggies fan can be pleased with Shilen Patel comments
This will surely be a welcome answer for supporters of the club to see from their new chairman.
Judging by what he has said, West Brom will get more investment in the transfer market now Patel has taken over, than they did under Lai.
That will be a relief, given it will open up the opportunity to further strengthen them into a more competitive side.
Indeed, there has been suggestions he may look to bring ‘young talent’ to The Hawthorns. It will therefore be interesting to see just what signings he is able to make for West Brom.
Even so, it also seems as though Patel will not be pushing the limit from a financial perspective while he is in charge of the club.
Given the concerns there have been in that respect at West Brom recently, the fact Patel seems keen to avoid getting into that situation again will be a relief for Baggies fans.
Indeed, as a result of this interview, it does feel as though West Brom fans will be even more confident about the future at The Hawthorns following this change of ownership.