Martyn Ziegler worries for West Brom fans as latest twist in Guochuan Lai ‘saga’ emerges
The Times’ Martyn Ziegler admits he’s worried for West Brom fans after following Guochuan Lai’s outstanding loan “saga” closely.
Albion announced (official website, 31 December) Lai had missed the deadline for this £4.95milllion loan to be repaid to the club.
Ziegler has since suggested that there should now be genuine concern amongst fans after the majority shareholder insisted the loan will be repaid early in January.
Not good
Lai missing the deadline is not a good sign moving forward and sadly it was completely expected from all involved with the Baggies. The financial situation at the club is a bit of a mess at the moment, with there also being a recent £20million loan taken out.
Too many clubs have fallen down the leagues due to mismanagement at boardroom level, and if Albion aren’t careful, they could well be next. It also piles more pressure on Carlos Corberan and his team to achieve an unlikely promotion. His side are within touching distance of the playoffs after an excellent run of form since his arrival.
Premier League football and the financial gain that comes with promotion could well be the boost the Baggies need to prevent themselves from being the next Bolton, Portsmouth, Derby or Sheffield Wednesday.
The big positive is that Albion look like a top-six team at the moment and are only improving. Considering the tight-knit nature of the Championship, a continued run of wins will see the Baggies cement a top-six spot.
In other West Brom news, Jake Livermore is facing an uncertain future after the latest Carlos Corberan decision