Shilen Patel confirms big off-pitch West Brom decision – move tipped to be ‘helpful’ | OneFootball

FLW’s West Brom fan pundit has commented Jason Roberts’ return to The Hawthorns as a Non-Executive Director.

It’s been a tough season for West Brom, but light could be at the end of the tunnel heading into the final stages of the campaign.

The Baggies are edging towards Championship safety with James Morrison at the helm, who has been excellent in turning around a group of players who looked rudderless.

The Albion icon has managed to get his side looking so much better in all departments, which has got all connected with the club hopeful that they can put such a dismal season behind them.

While their future isn’t secure, the Albion hierarchy will understandably think the Baggies will go on their way to survive under Morrison’s guidance, so plans will begin to take shape as to how they approach next season.

One area has already been addressed at board level, with ex-Baggies striker Jason Roberts appointed as a Non-Executive Director this week.

The 48-year-old, who netted 26 goals in 96 appearances at The Hawthorns and is also the nephew of the late Cyrille Regis, works as the Chief Football Development Officer at Concacaf, and now joins the Albion board with Shilen Patel, Ethan Gobetz and Mark Miles.

As per the announcement on Albion’s club website, Roberts will provide independent oversights and constructive feedback on the board’s performance, while using his experience both in English and international football to contribute to club strategy, planning and decision-making.

It’s a strong addition for Albion to make, particularly when they are in need of added expertise at a time when there is set to be a big overhaul to the playing squad, regardless of which division the Black Country outfit are playing in next season.

With this news in mind, FLW’s West Brom fan pundit has given his thoughts on the appointment of Roberts onto Albion’s board, and whether it’s the right decision by the club.

West Brom lauded for Jason Roberts appointment who has “a strong Albion connection”

Speaking to Football League World, West Brom fan pundit Callum Burgess is optimistic about the appointment of former Albion forward Jason Roberts into a Non-Executive Director role, believing his strength of footballing knowledge, both in England and internationally, will make him an asset to the club.

Callum told FLW: “At immediate face value, it’s good to have someone who has got a strong Albion connection involved once again.

“When you look deep into it, he’s worked at a position at Concacaf on their board, where he will be continuing there, and he’s also someone whose known Shilen Patel in the past as well, so it’s good to see that connection continuing.

“I think he could be someone who is going to be helpful for Albion to get more footballing people involved. It’s been a criticism that we’ve not had enough of them and, hopefully, he can have a positive impact on Albion this summer and beyond.”

West Brom desperately need footballing people on their board

It’s been a bleak season for West Brom, but there is now hope that they can secure safety in the Championship and put this stormy period, as a club, behind them.

The Baggies have been architects of their own downfall from the decisions made at board level, with Albion taking on two novice head coaches, while poor player recruitment into the mix made it a recipe for disaster.

But now, James Morrison has managed to restore fight and pride to this West Brom team, and if they do survive the almighty scare of relegation, then they have to get footballing people in who know the game to help guide the American owners.

And putting someone like Jason Roberts in is the first big step. The 48-year-old had an established playing career in England, while his role with Concacaf means he has a strong knowledge of the game both at home and across the world.

This will be particularly important when it comes to player recruitment, which has been heavily criticised as a major factor for Albion’s slump in the Championship table this season, but if they can survive by the skin of their teeth, then they can hopefully look forward to seeing a side built that can get the club back fighting towards the top end of the division.