Shilen Patel has proven a popular chairman since his takeover at West Brom.
Shilen Patel has proven a popular chairman since his takeover at West Brom.

Shilen Patel reacts to West Brom draw v Southampton, says what’s ’unbelievable’

Dan Carter

Dan is a sports journalist who graduated from the University of Gloucestershire with a first-class degree in Sports Journalism. Dan has a huge love for football and has spent time inside newsrooms throughout his time at university. Away from his laptop, he enjoys playing Sunday League football, or watching whatever football, cricket or whatever sport he can find.

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West Brom chairman Shilen Patel has shared his reaction to the Baggies' playoff clash with Southampton and hailed the "unbelievable" atmosphere at The Hawthorns.

Carlos Corberan's side were held to a 0-0 draw by Russell Martin's Saints on Sunday (12 May) to leave the tie hanging in the balance ahead of the second leg at St Mary's on Friday (17 May).

While some supporters were left frustrated by Albion's sloppy finishing throughout the contest, Patel was quick to heap praise on both the team and the fans' performance whilst insisting it's still "all to play for".

Writing on X on Sunday (12 May) he said: "A determined display from WBA, spurred on by our phenomenal fans. Unbelievable atmosphere and packed stands from the first whistle to the last!

"All to play for on Friday - with opportunity, determination, and belief, everything is possible."

Will West Brom beat Southampton in the playoffs and win promotion to the Premier League?

It wasn't too long ago that the Albion fanbase was incredibly divided, but thanks to Corberan's work on the field, and Patel's takeover at The Hawthorns, there is a genuine feel-good factor around the club right now.

While Albion would have liked to have taken a lead into the second leg, especially considering the chances they missed in the game, avoiding defeat would have been their top priority ahead of this match.

On another day Grady Diangana could have been leaving the field with a hattrick and Albion may have been awarded a spot-kick in the closing exchanges. Sunday's display wasn't too far from the perfect playoff performance.

Hopefully, the second leg will see the Baggies find that clinical edge and conviction in the final third. As Patel suggests, everything is possible and Corberan's side will be spurred on by phenomenal support from the travelling fans.

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