West Brom owner Guochuan Lai is well aware of the discontent in the fanbase
West Brom owner Guochuan Lai is well aware of the discontent among fans as he looks for further investment, according to an interview with managing director Mark Miles, via the Birmingham Live.
Miles revealed that Lai is aware of how the fanbase feels, and understands the concerns among the fanbase, as he insists the owner is aware of the feeling towards him by the majority of West Brom fans.
This revelation comes at a time when West Brom are facing a difficult summer financially, as Premier League parachute payments have run out and lacking any investment from Lai, who has never been particularly forthcoming in his seven years of owning the club.
Speaking via Birmingham Live, Miles attempted to pour cold water on the situation, revealing: “He knows the current situation and how the supporter base feels, yes. Obviously, markets have changed, he bought the club on a self-sustaining basis and now we’re out of that it’s a different position.
“He’s aware of the discontent among supporters but it’s my role to talk to those, to make sure things are spoken about, and I’ll pass it upwards as well. It’s not just me talking with supporters, it’s taking things up. I work on the basis there is no investment and continue to work on an even keel as we do.”
On the topic of potential future investors in the club, Miles admitted: “There’s no timescales on that side. Lai is open to the idea, that could be next week, next month, three months, I don’t know.”
Investment is necessary for the club to run smoothly
As much as Miles attempted to explain and help fans in their understanding of the financial situation, as well as the owner’s position on where they stand both financially and as a relationship between himself and the club, it just leaves fans feeling discontented.
Ultimately, they will have to deal with the fact that the club is lacking any income, but that shouldn’t be the case. It is the owner’s job to fund the club, Lai would’ve known that when he took over. It’s unfair to assume a club will be able to run itself and then, when it can’t, ignore any responsibility.
Miles seems to be doing a good job with what little he has to deal with, and communication between fans and higher-ups at the club is always a helpful and welcome step – one which the managing director has taken.
The fans can feel appeased in that they are now aware their voices are being heard by those at the top, but will still cling to the hope of further investment as discontent continues to grow.
In other West Brom news, it has been revealed the club made a loan approach for Leeds young sensation.