Shilen Patel right to apologise as West Brom already at work to make amends
Shilen Patel has apologised for West Brom's calamitous 2025-26 season and is hopeful of a far more positive future.
The Baggies finished just one place above the Championship relegation zone last time out.
Albion looked destined for the drop at one point after a dreadful run of results under Eric Ramsay, who replaced Ryan Mason.
Both appointments of relative rookies backfired, but James Morrison turned things around over the final two months.
Despite West Brom being hit with a two-point deduction, Morrison still kept them up with a game to spare.
Morrison landed the job permanently as a result, but Patel accepts things could have turned out a lot different.
Shilen Patel excited for what's ahead at West Brom
Every supporter will be eager to forget about last season, the final stretch aside.
As Hull City showed in 2025-26, it is easy to push on after narrowly avoiding relegation.
That will be the aim for the Baggies this coming campaign, with a playoff challenge possible if the right signings are made.
West Brom have already signed Barney Stewart, Jimmy-Jay Morgan, Matt Ingram and Carter Pinnington.
And Patel is hopeful better times are now ahead for the Black Country club.
In a personal statement on Albion's official website, the chairman said: "As I reflect on the 2025/26 campaign, I likely share the same feeling as many of you: I am grateful for the opportunity to turn the page and excited for our fresh start.
"Last season was challenging and humbling, and I must begin here: I sincerely apologise to our supporters and everyone within and around the club for the extremely disappointing runs of form and other setbacks throughout what became a historically poor season.
"West Bromwich Albion's history, potential, and support set a clear standard and as chairman I am ultimately responsible for meeting it. Last season, we fell far short, and I take full responsibility for that.
"I am also responsible for us doing much better in the future. In the end, we collectively pulled ourselves back from the worst of possibilities by showing our very best.
"Amid the challenges and the ultimate urgency of the season, we sought to nurture daily progress towards greater long-term success and organisational growth.
"With the 25/26 season settled, our focus is on attacking the future with more clarity, stronger foundations, and a renewed sense of excitement."
While it is refreshing to see Patel take accountability, actions will ultimately speak louder than words.
And Patel does appear to be putting his money where his mouth is.
West Brom spending set to continue in transfer latest
Alex Mowatt has been linked with a West Brom exit, but word is that a new midfielder is being sought.
Albion are believed to have spent around £1.3million on Stewart from Falkirk.
The fee for Morgan is not close to the £4m once reported, with the upfront price a lot lower.
Still, millions have already been spent and we are only in the first fortnight of the transfer window.
Long may that continue, with Patel fully aware just how close West Brom came to relegation last time out.