Darren Bradley calls on West Brom players as Guochuan Lai tension grows at The Hawthorns
Former West Brom captain Darren Bradley believes the players should have done better during the 2022/23 season despite the “unrest” at the top of the club.
Tension has grown in recent days with minority shareholders, Shareholders For Albion (S4A) “furious” after director Xu Ke refused to answer questions on the Baggies’ financial issues (Daily Mail, 22 May).
Fans are also demanding proof that West Brom’s recent £20million loan ended up in the club’s account with Guochuan Lai yet to repay his £5million loan.
Talking to the Express and Star, Bradley feels the players should have performed to a higher standard during the course of the campaign.
“You see clubs like Bournemouth and others, I don’t know, for me the Premier League is a better place with clubs like West Brom in it,” said Bradley (Express and Star, 26 May).
“And the fans deserve it. Not just for their team to be in and…not competing, but a good cup run or whatever, but that’s not enough for Albion.
“A founder member of the league, it’s a huge club, the fans are amazing. It would be nice to have another Midlands club up there.
“I keep abreast of results and I guess the squad of players should’ve done better, but then you’ve got the unrest at the top.
“I don’t know the ins and outs of it, but I just hope it can come off next season. I saw them play in a big run of wins and the team looked pretty strong, you can get on a roll like that.”
Uncertainty
Uncertainty is the buzzword here. Who knows what is going to happen in the coming transfer window? It’s highly unlikely Carlos Corberan will be able to spend much. It’s going to be a case of finding free agents and introducing younger players into the equation.
One positive for the Baggies is that the Spaniard is committed to the club for the long term. He’s batted off interest from the likes of Leeds United and is clearly invested in West Brom’s fortunes moving forward. It was a heartbreaking way for Albion to miss out on the playoffs.
Before Sunderland visited The Hawthorns, their fate was very much in their hands. However, Corberan’s side faltered at the vital moment. From leading at halftime to succumbing to a 2-1 defeat to Tony Mowbray’s men.
It’s moments and matches like that which define a season. However, for Albion, missing out on the playoffs and promotion feels slightly more significant.
In other West Brom news, the club have made a desperate attempt to rip fans off now the season has ended.