West Brom realities hit home as Shilen Patel announcement made

Shilen Patel has helped stabilise West Brom financially during his time in charge at The Hawthorns, but that is not to say Albion are in the clear just yet.

West Brom are coming off the back of an ultimately disappointing campaign in which they missed out on a place on the Championship playoffs.

Patel has reached into his pockets with the signing of Nat Phillips from Liverpool, but West Brom supporters have to be realistic when it comes to further signings.

Patel sends open letter to Albion fans

West Brom are continuing to do all they can to steer clear of financial difficulties, which was very much a theme under the previous regime.

And in a statement on Albion's official website on Tuesday (24 June), Patel reiterated that West Brom cannot yet to breathe easily in a stark reminder to supporters.

"The realities of P&S aren’t going away just yet, and its existence will necessarily govern our approach to the summer," Patel said.

"Our three-year P&S rolling average calculation will no longer include the slight profit of 22/23, leaving us with a challenge similar in magnitude to last year’s."

But Patel announced great news coming for West Brom, including an overhaul coming for their home.

"We’ve begun tangible upgrades across the stadium, such as paintwork and external refreshes, including the return of hawthorns to The Hawthorns," he said.

Concourse improvements, fan zone updates, safe standing, improved ticketing systems, and an upgraded hospitality experience were all mentioned in the letter.

Patel aiming for Premier League football with West Brom

Patel is doing all he can to get the Baggies back into the Premier League following a four-year hiatus.

The US owner inherited nearly £40m worth of debt and has worked incredibly hard to meet PSR.

During his tenure, five managers have come and gone at Albion, and Ryan Mason is the latest appointment for the role.

Success has come at his other club, Bologna, who won the Italian Cup this season after beating AC Milan in the final.

Patel hopes he can replicate that winning mentality back in the Midlands next year, and he needs the fans on his side.

However, this open letter is a reminder that it will not be easy, and supporters need to understand that.

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