Don Goodman worries about West Brom points deduction in ‘massive’ takeover verdict at The Hawthorns
We’re delighted to welcome former West Brom striker Don Goodman as our exclusive columnist. Each week he’ll be giving his views on the biggest talking points at The Hawthorns.
Don Goodman says it would be a “massive boost” for everyone connected to West Brom if a takeover can be concluded soon.
Talks regarding a sale continue to rumble on behind the scenes at The Hawthorns, with a sale price of up to £60million mooted [The Telegraph, 12 December].
Albion recently took out a further loan to keep the club ticking over, but the financial situation remains precarious with Guochuan Lai at the helm.
American multi-millionaire businessman Shilen Patel has now entered a period of exclusivity to end Lai’s seven-year reign [The Telegraph, 12 January].
However, the longer the wait for a deal to be struck goes on, the more fearful supporters grow that the Baggies could be left in the lurch.
Should an agreement fail to be reached, it could leave Albion in a dire financial state and potentially unable to afford day-to-day running costs.
Albion face being deducted points if they fail to pay player’s wages, while in the worst-case scenario it could see them drop down the leagues.
Asked how important it therefore is to get a takeover concluded, Goodman told West Brom News: “I think it’d be a massive boost for everybody, particularly the fans.
“When a club is struggling financially and there’s doubt as to what might happen, it is always the fans who you think of first and foremost.
“This club has been around for so long. I’m not suggesting they’re in danger of liquidation or going out of business, but it’s a precarious financial position they find themselves in through no fault of the fans.
“If for instance, with Wigan last year or Reading, they fail to pay wages on time, then all of a sudden you’re looking at a points deduction.
“If that happens then West Bromwich Albion don’t get in the play-offs, and don’t get the financial benefits that come with making the play-offs and possibly making the Premier League.
“If you win the play-offs then all your financial problems are solved overnight in one hit. I don’t know the exact situation, other than it’s not healthy.
“Let’s just hope it doesn’t boil down to something as extreme as not being able to pay the players and losing some points.”
In other West Brom news, an update has been provided on whether Carlos Corberan will be backed to sign any players in the remainder of the transfer window.
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