West Brom poised to sign higher-calibre players after behind-the-scenes development
Don Goodman believes West Brom will be capable of signing higher-calibre quality players thanks to Shilen Patel investing money into the training facilities.
The Express & Star reported on 4 June that owner Patel is to put £1million towards upgrading the Walsall-based training HQ in news that has delighted Carlos Corberan.
While supporters would of course like to see similar money invested into the squad, Goodman reckons the behind-the-scenes development will have a big impact at West Brom in the long term.
Asked if Albion will have a better chance of luring bigger names as a result, Goodman told West Brom News: “You hear this more and more now, about a player going to visiting a club with a view to becoming their next signing and the training ground is the first place the manager and owner wants to take him.
“That’s where a player spends most of his time, and therefore the better that facility is, the more opportunities there are of luring that player to the football club. It’s really important that a club invests in their infrastructure.
“West Brom have a great tradition of developing young players, but not such a great record at keeping them. That’s something that needs to change, so the training ground and academy facilities being upgraded is a big part of moving forward for a club such as West Bromwich Albion.
“I do fully understand why they want to get their training ground as good as they can for potential new signings to visit, although of course as a fan you’re not such interested in that side of things – it’s more about what happens on a Saturday afternoon.”
Shilen Patel making his mark at West Brom
Whoever ousted Guochuan Lai at The Hawthorns was always going to be an instant hit with West Brom fans, and Patel has so far done a great job as owner.
While no new signings have yet been made – and that is ultimately what some fickle fans will judge the new owner on alone – Patel has said all the right things.
Not only that, he has started to walk the walk by investing a seven-figure sum into the club in a decision that will pay long-term dividends.
As Goodman points out, players could well make a decision on which club they join on the basis of the training ground.
Unlike before when the Baggies missed out on a target to a club of similar stature, they will now potentially have an advantage if the training pitches are up to scratch.
Throw into the mix the news regarding the women’s team, and it is fair to say that Patel is more than making his mark at the club already.
In other West Brom news, Goodman has backed a Baggies regular to quit the club and accept a big-money offer abroad.
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.