Sky Sports pundit: West Brom fans are looking at the ‘bigger picture’ amid ‘rock the boat’ protests
We’re delighted to welcome former West Brom striker Kevin Campbell as our exclusive columnist. Each week he’ll be giving his views on the biggest talking points at The Hawthorns…
West Brom fans protesting against owner Guochuan Lai have been praised by ex-Baggies striker Kevin Campbell for seeing “the bigger picture”.
Fans at The Hawthorns voiced their opinion on Lai in recent weeks, with many fans lighting up the stadium with torches during the win against Blackpool.
Lai, who has owned West Brom since his £200million takeover in 2016, has worried many supporters with his recent loan activity, with £4.95million being taken out of the club during the Covid-19 pandemic to support one of his other businesses. [The Athletic]
Lai is also reportedly lining up a £25million loan from MSD Holdings – the same company that lent money to Derby County before their financial plight.
After hearing the worrying news, fans took action by speaking up against the ownership, and they’ve now received support from former West Brom forward Campbell.
Speaking exclusively to West Brom News, Campbell said: “One thing fans are not going to do is rock the boat unless they feel that they have to.
“They’re looking at their football club – a Premier League club that has gone down – and they’re passionate about it. They feel what is going on and they’re not liking what they’re seeing at the end of the day.
“The last few wins have been good but overall they’re looking at the bigger picture and haven’t been happy for a while if I’m honest.”
“So they’re going to put their point across and protest and let the owner know that they’re not happy. It’s every fan’s right.“
Campbell is right – the fans are well within their right to protest – and are rightfully worried at Lai’s reckless ownership of the club.
After financial sagas at Derby County and Bury in recent seasons, fans will be desperate to steer clear of a similar situation.
While the on-pitch performances are improving under Carlos Corberan. expect the movement against Lai’s ownership to continue.
In other West Brom news, Kenneth Zohore remains well out of favour under Carlos Corberan at The Hawthorns