Shilen Patel sends message to player after West Brom exit news
West Brom chairman Shilen Patel has paid tribute to Matty Phillips following the star’s exit from The Hawthorns after eight years.
In an open letter to the Albion supporters on 13 June, Patel addressed a number of topics including bidding farewell to seven out-of-contract players, singling out Phillips following a superb innings with the club.
The winger, now 33, moves onto the next stage of his career having appeared 255 times for the Baggies.
Patel said: “The club parted ways with a number of first-team players whose contracts expired at the end of the season, and I would like to thank them all for their contributions.
“It is only right to single out Matty Phillips who served us with great professionalism during his eight seasons here and I wish him and his family all the very best for the future.”
West Brom in transition mode
Senior professionals such as Phillips, Erik Pieters and Adam Reach departing The Hawthorns signifies the direction West Brom are looking to move in, though Patel acknowledges the next few weeks brings what he refers to as “an important summer of player trading”.
Contract offers that were made may fall on deaf ears with significant external interest in free transfers for players such as Cedric Kipre, whose representatives are attempting to bump up an offer from Trabzonspor – who will compete in the Europa League next season.
Patel will also be prioritising West Brom’s robustness in keeping hold of head coach Carlos Corberan.
The highly-rated Spaniard’s admirers – sadly for Baggies fans – stretch far outside The Hawthorns and Leicester City are reported to have narrowed their managerial search to either he or ex-Chelsea boss Graham Potter.
Patel’s open letter should appease the masses who are beginning to get understandably anxious as pre-season edges closer, but the Albion chief will know plenty of work needs to be done in a relatively short space of time.
In other West Brom news, Corberan will be thrilled after an international boost for one of his players.
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