West Brom: Action for Albion issues final press release as Hawthorns takeover finalised
Action for Albion has issued its final press release following confirmation of the takeover being finalised at The Hawthorns.
Albion confirmed on Wednesday (28 February) that Shilen Patel has officially acquired Guochuan Lai’s 87.8-per-cent shareholding.
Baggies fan-led group Action for Albion is therefore in a position to step aside after years of protesting for change at the top at The Hawthorns.
“Today marks Action for Albion’s final media release,” a statement on the Action For Albion website read on Friday (1 March).
“We would like to welcome Bilkul Football WBA, LLC to the Albion family, and we look forward to a long and prosperous future under Mr Patel’s stewardship.
“We’re encouraged by the interview he gave to WBA TV upon assuming the role of Chairman, and we echo the sentiment that an owner’s fundamental responsibility is to be a custodian.”
The statement went on to read: “We would like to thank past and present club staff who have communicated with us responsibly and proactively since January 2023.
“Firstly Ian Skidmore, who has been essential in creating a key communication link that was lacking between the club and fans in recent times. His commitment to the club is undoubted and he has gone above and beyond to ensure that our voice was heard.
“We would also like to thank Ron Gourlay for the diligent work undertaken during his tenure, and again for being open to meeting with us.
“Latterly, after Mr Gourlay’s departure, we would also like to commend Mark Miles, who stepped up to the role of Managing Director after Mr Gourlay’s departure.
“We recognise the effort and commitment on his part to complete the takeover with the insistence that the new custodian was the correct fit for our club.”
West Brom ownership situation finally cleared up
This week marks the start of a new era for everyone involved with West Brom. Lai is out and Patel – a man who we still ultimately know so little about – is in.
Quite frankly, pretty much anyone would be an upgrade on Lai. The initial signs as far as Patel goes, though, are very, very positive.
The immediate priority is to just continue steadying the ship behind the scenes at The Hawthorns by ensuring all debts are paid off and day-to-day running costs are being covered.
Then, supporters will hope that a couple of new signings can be brought in during the summer transfer window – or more should Albion achieve their ultimate aim of promotion to the Premier League.
Action for Albion deserve praise for their work, even if many have found faults, and now it appears that a much brighter future awaits West Brom.
In other West Brom news, a player who joined Albion in January has shared who did not want him to make the move.
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