Ron Gourlay reveals what Guochuan Lai told him about West Brom loan
The latest meeting from the Albion Assembly took place on December 1 and West Brom CEO Ron Gourlay made new promises surrounding Guochuan Lai’s loan repayments.
It comes as mounting criticism swarms the West Brom hierarchy with fans and groups questioning the true intentions of the club’s leadership.
Gourlay revealed that he had been “assured” by Lai that the £4.95million loan owed to the football club by Wisdom Smart will be repaid by the revised deadline of December 31, 2022.
“RG started his update by saying he had been assured by Guochuan Lai that the £4.95million loan owed to the football club by Wisdom Smart will be repaid by the revised deadline of December 31, 2022,” as quoted by West Brom’s official club website.
“He said he has made it clear in board meetings, including those prior to the publication of Albion’s accounts in June, that this debt must be repaid so it can be reinvested.
“RG also stated that supporters will be informed when the loan is repaid, and reassured members that no money will leave the club in the same way while he is Chief Executive.”
Time will tell.
With the Lai deadline fastly approaching the Baggies faithful will know very soon whether or not the Chinese businessman has been true to his word.
Fans won’t be holding their breath though, the Albion have heard it all before, however, this could be the final straw for Lai’s leadership campaign to continue.
In an ideal world, everything Gourlay has promised comes to fruition and the Baggies will have some funds freed up to spend in the January transfer window.
With things now looking a lot better on the pitch under the guidance of Carlos Corberan, making things right up top in the club would be the perfect start to 2023.
Lai hasn’t been seen at The Hawthorns for some time now though and it wouldn’t be surprising if he somehow wormed his way out of the December 31 deadline.
One thing is for sure, it’s going to be an interesting few weeks to be a West Brom fan, with luck, everything goes to plan.
In other West Brom news, a finance podcaster has sent a message to lawyers about Albion’s latest financial statement.