Shilen Patel shares ‘proud’ West Brom Women announcement on Thursday
Shilen Patel has confirmed that West Brom Women will be incorporated by the club.
Up until now, the Baggies’ women’s team had been operating as a separate company.
The West Brom chairman has now confirmed that this is set to change while writing in an open letter to supporters via the club’s official website on Thursday (13 June).
Patel wrote, “We are also proud to confirm that as of June 2024, our women’s team has been incorporated by the club.”
“Though the team had been financed by the club, it simply wasn’t right for that separation to continue.
“We must now move forward as one and the women’s team will benefit from being a fully-fledged and most welcome part of the club.
“I have been wholly impressed by Siobhan Hodgetts-Still’s whole-hearted dedication to the club and the programme and we will continue to work with her to aid the development of the women’s team. In time we hope our women’s team is also ready to mount a promotion challenge.”
West Bromwich Albion Women moving forward with the club
As Patel pointed out, a few supporters might have been surprised to read that the men’s and women’s teams weren’t already incorporated.
This is a decision which could perhaps be considered overdue, but a decision which demonstrates Patel’s commitment to pushing the club forward.
As women’s football continues to grow it is important that the Baggies are reflective of this and don’t get left behind, and this announcement demonstrates the club have recognised that.
Patel is clearly thinking about the bigger picture at The Hawthorns, and supporters can rest assured knowing that their chairman has the Baggies’ best long-term interests at heart.
This decision should lead to much more promotion and coverage of the club’s women’s team, which is only right.
It could also prove to be financially beneficial as well.
As a result of the women’s team being incorporated by the club, there are more likely to be improvements made within the setup.
And as more eyes continue to turn to women’s football, having a competitive team could soon prove to be very lucrative.
In other West Brom news, Carlos Corberan will be thrilled after an international boost for one of his players.
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