West Brom: Robert Earnshaw reacts to takeover news live on Sky Sports, ‘Christmas Eve’
Robert Earnshaw described news of Shilen Patel’s takeover at West Brom as like “Christmas Eve” when reacting live on Sky Sports Football (16 February).
After months of speculation, West Brom confirmed on Thursday that Patel and his father have agreed a deal to acquire an 87.8% stake of the Baggies.
The deal has been ratified by the EFL and is expected to be completed next week, with former Baggies striker Earnshaw welcoming the news, which means the end of Guochuan Lai’s tenure.
“I think the thing with them (supporters) is, they want everything from the top to be clear, to be honest, to have the same love they have for the football club, they want that from their owners, they want that from the people running the football club and running the football department,” he said.
“It almost feels like yesterday was Christmas Eve, this morning you can open your presents, it’s that feeling.
“The fans here are great, brilliant, historical football club, they’ll support the team, whoever’s in charge as long as they do it in the right way. I think they’ll open the door for the new owner and say ‘lead us’.”
West Brom fans get Christmas feeling with Shilen Patel takeover news
Earnshaw’s fellow Sky pundits laughed at him when he described it as like Christmas Eve for Baggies supporters but actually it’s a pretty great analogy to describe what has happened over the last 24 hours.
Supporters have waited a hell of a long time for this deal to get over the line and to look forward to a more stable future following years of financial uncertainty under Lai’s leadership.
There is obviously still a lot of work to be done and even though the Baggies have been performing pretty well this season promotion would still be a hell of an achievement given what Carlos Corberan has had to deal with this season.
But the difference is now that supporters can look forward with optimism at Patel’s leadership and can start to dream once again, can get that giddy sense of excitement that comes on Christmas Eve. Let’s hope the good times are about to roll.
In other West Brom news, the West Midlands mayor has had his say on the takeover news.
For more West Brom news, follow us on Facebook or join our brand new WhatsApp Channel for instant updates to be sent straight to your phone.