Tory MP Nicola Richards lauds West Brom supporters for influence on Shilen Patel takeover
Nicola Richards has hailed West Brom fans for making the club more attractive to investors after the club’s takeover was agreed.
The MP responded via Twitter on 16 February to a statement from Action for Albion to praise them and fellow supporters for “showing what we’re all about” and helping improve the Baggies’ image.
Bilkul Football WBA, LLC, owned by Shilen Patel and his father, were announced the night before as buying 87.8% of shares in the club’s company.
The MP wrote: “The impact that fans have had in helping to reach this point can’t be understated. Groups like Action4Albion & Shareholders4Albion have put a positive spotlight on our club in difficult times. They’ve made it a more attractive prospect to investors, showing what we’re all about.
“Well done, and thank you, to everyone who has played a part. I’m sure many fans will be feeling so much more positive about our club’s future, and you should all be proud of what you’ve helped to achieve.”
West Brom fans credited with influence towards Shilen Patel deal
It is impossible to say for certain from outside the negotiations between Patel and Guochuan Lai how much direct effect supporter pressure head on the situation.
But it would appear to have done something since developments towards the long-awaited takeover came about relatively swiftly after controlled protests and other action helped gain far greater publicity of the club’s plight.
And a committed fanbase likely does make a club a more attractive investment, even if that is primarily because engaged fans are more inclined to spend money.
It’s been a long time coming but the end of the Lai era has finally arrived, so fans can be excused some celebration at the start of a new one.
Clearly it is up to Patel to ensure that his reign is not like his predecessor’s, and the disappointing 2-0 defeat at home to Southampton with the American watching on at The Hawthorns was a reminder that success is not automatic.
But it has long seemed clear that for West Brom to ever properly move forward a takeover needed to get done and that major step is now here.
In other West Brom news, two players are in talks with the club over contract extensions the manager has now confirmed.
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