Shilen Patel influence at West Brom felt at all levels after Carlos Corberan admission
Carlos Corberan’s comments on his relationship with Shilen Patel show the impact made by the new West Brom owner already.
Speaking to the Birmingham Mail (9 October), Corberan explained that he had next to no contact with previous owner Guochuan Lai before Patel arrived at The Hawthorns in February.
The Baggies have made a strong start to the season following Patel’s first transfer window at the helm, and Corberan is also clearly feeling the benefit of being employed by an owner truly invested in the club.
Corberan said: “Now with Shilen as an owner I have that contact, that I probably didn’t have before with the (previous) owner.
“We are talking in detail and when they come here I always spend time with them, I like to spend time with the people in charge and they want to spend time with me.”
West Brom reaping the rewards of Shilen Patel’s ownership
Despite the Baggies slipping back into the Championship play-offs after three straight weeks at the summit, there’s no denying that Corberan’s side have begun the campaign in good form.
The penultimate side to lose their unbeaten record so far this season, Albion have been revitalised on and off the pitch since Patel’s arrival, with Corberan finally given the backing to get his side promoted.
Transfer fees, such as the £3million spent to bring Mikey Johnston back to the club [Lewis Cox, 28 August], were frankly unheard of during Lai’s dreary tenure, with plenty of activity in the market allowing for an overhaul of the squad.
Patel’s clear devotion to the off-field activities, and the people who make them happen, are also signs of an over who truly wants to see the Baggies excel – rather than just their bottom line.
Financial challenges left behind by Lai are still being dealt with by Patel and the EFL, but there’s no doubt that the future at The Hawthorns looks bright, regardless of how this season ends.
In other West Brom news, a former Baggies star will have upset their biggest rivals by scoring his first-ever goal for his new club.
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