West Brom look as though they are at the beginning of an exciting new era.
Last month, a long awaited and much discussed takeover of the club was finally completed.
That move saw Florida based businessman Shilen Patel, and his company Bilkul Football Limited, purchase a controlling stake in the club from Guohcuan Lai.
With that takeover, many connected with West Brom will have been hoping for a more secure and positive future for the club.
So far, the action that Patel has taken since his arrival at The Hawthorns, does seem to suggest that they are heading in that direction.
Recent Shilen Patel move hailed
Late last week, Patel made his first major move since being named as the new West Brom chairman.
That saw him pay off a loan of almost £5million loan that had been taken from the club by another of Lai’s company’s, Wisdom Smart.
The had been taken on by Patel when he took over the club. Now, Lewis Cox is clearly encouraged by what he has seen from the new chairman, in taking such action.
Speaking about what Patel paying off that loan means for West Brom, the Express and Star journalist told the Baggies Broadcast Podcast:
“Quite a substantial figure £5million let’s be honest, in any state, but in the current state of West Bromwich Albion that’s not an insignificant figure and he’s paid it off. It’s one big thing less for the supporters to worry about and a new owner delivering on his vows and promises to right the wrongs and get the club moving to where they should be and this was a massive start.
“It was huge news wasn’t it, last Friday evening. A breath of fresh thankfully I would say. Very much one to be celebrated I would say that move, and I’m sure over the months ahead they’ll be much more encouraging signs coming from the new chairman.”
On the pitch, Carlos Corberan‘s side are back in action when they travel to The Den to face Millwall on Friday 29th March.
They will be looking to at least maintain the eight point lead they have over 7th place Hull City in the race for a play-off spot.
Shilen Patel doing everything right at West Brom
It does almost seem as though Patel can do no wrong since he took over at The Hawthorns.
The new chairman has already seemingly won over the playing squad with their first meeting.
Meanwhile, he has endeared himself to the fans with some of his social media posts about the club as well.
Now with moves such as this, he is backing up his words with actions. By paying off this loan, it does look as though Patel is taking significant steps to secure the future of the club.
Indeed, the fact this appears to be coming at his own expense, just goes to highlight his commitment to West Brom.
There are of course, more outstanding loans that need to be addressed. But the fact Patel has sorted this one, will add to the confidence he can deal with those too.
In turn, that too will put the club in a stronger position, and ensure that West Brom can look forward to an exciting future under their new chairman.