Karlan Grant

[Prando]

Jeeez. The club has made some terrible purchases over the last ten years or so.

10 years ago saw the end of Jeremy - and many waved flags. I’ve a feeling that the purse strings were held more tightly, albeit I’m sure there were some transfer clangers.
A few of us on here (10) met him at a formal (DJ) end of season dinner at the ground. He came over to our table at the instigation of baggieboygeoff and agreed to pose for photo with me and Bedford baggie as we all shared the same hairstyle…(lack off ’)
Happy days.

[Omegstrat6]

Before he left and shafted the club to line his own pockets, I remember reading several articles about how Allbion under JP was one of the best financially run clubs in the Prem. The issue was that him holding so tightly onto the purse strings hampered our potential to progress because he wouldn't spend the money in the transfer market to recruit better players.

[Prando]

Before he left and shafted the club to line his own pockets, I remember reading several articles about how Allbion under JP was one of the best financially run clubs in the Prem. The issue was that him holding so tightly onto the purse strings hampered our potential to progress because he wouldn't spend the money in the transfer market to recruit better players.

In JP’s case, I think WBA was his main business and income. As opposed to many other Clubs, wherein the Owner had many other, often more lucrative business interests and income streams. JP was clearly building the business up with his eye on a sale.
Notwithstanding, he was a Baggie.

[baggieal]

Totally agree with you about Bamford Al who has had his day now. As for Dike, to be fair, since coming back from injury he hasn't been allowed the game time to show what he can or cannot do. I get Mason preferring Maja initially but as he has been off the pace lately surely Dike deserves his chance?

What I meant about Bostock was that it's a big step up for him at his age, not just in terms of technique but in physicality. That said, I certainly think that he should get some game time this season as it can surely only aid his continued development and work towards securing a first team place. I get Mason erring on the side of caution sometimes but hope we get to see the likes of Dike, Bostock and Bany do more than warm the bench.

Before he left and shafted the club to line his own pockets, I remember reading several articles about how Allbion under JP was one of the best financially run clubs in the Prem. The issue was that him holding so tightly onto the purse strings hampered our potential to progress because he wouldn't spend the money in the transfer market to recruit better players.

JP lined his own pockets but whilst I had no time for him - what businessman wouldn?t? I don?t buy all this Patel rode in on a white horse and was our saviour. The fact is he bought the club for a cheap price and sometimes the price could be cheaper than if 4/5 businessmen bid for a company in administration. It?s a fact. I bet Wednesday whilst being deducted points will be bought out by a shrewd investor and grow from strength to strength. Clubs with good stock like Wednesday, Derby or us would never go out of business.

Not being critical of Patel in the slightest but will judge him perhaps at the end of this season. So far some great players have been sold to balance the books which I get but don?t feel we have spent any money wisely. Paying 6 million for Heggebo and Campbell FFS was not a wise investment. I also don?t rate the appointment of Mason as he?s not the person to take us back to the Premier. Talking about the Premier - Patel will need a better manager at the helm and quality players to take us back up. Will he invest the money? I honestly don?t know.

Is Patel any different from JP? Hard to answer but will say Patel like any businessman is not there for the love of West Brom but to see a return on his investment. That?s normal and shrewd guys are cut from the same cloth.

[baggiematt]

JP lined his own pockets but whilst I had no time for him - what businessman wouldn?t? I don?t buy all this Patel rode in on a white horse and was our saviour. The fact is he bought the club for a cheap price and sometimes the price could be cheaper than if 4/5 businessmen bid for a company in administration. It?s a fact. I bet Wednesday whilst being deducted points will be bought out by a shrewd investor and grow from strength to strength. Clubs with good stock like Wednesday, Derby or us would never go out of business.

Not being critical of Patel in the slightest but will judge him perhaps at the end of this season. So far some great players have been sold to balance the books which I get but don?t feel we have spent any money wisely. Paying 6 million for Heggebo and Campbell FFS was not a wise investment. I also don?t rate the appointment of Mason as he?s not the person to take us back to the Premier. Talking about the Premier - Patel will need a better manager at the helm and quality players to take us back up. Will he invest the money? I honestly don?t know.

Is Patel any different from JP? Hard to answer but will say Patel like any businessman is not there for the love of West Brom but to see a return on his investment. That?s normal and shrewd guys are cut from the same cloth.

What has Campbell done to warrant criticism? ?1m, decent player, first season in championship, played out of position and been mostly decent.

[baggieal]

Totally agree with you about Bamford Al who has had his day now. As for Dike, to be fair, since coming back from injury he hasn't been allowed the game time to show what he can or cannot do. I get Mason preferring Maja initially but as he has been off the pace lately surely Dike deserves his chance?

What I meant about Bostock was that it's a big step up for him at his age, not just in terms of technique but in physicality. That said, I certainly think that he should get some game time this season as it can surely only aid his continued development and work towards securing a first team place. I get Mason erring on the side of caution sometimes but hope we get to see the likes of Dike, Bostock and Bany do more than warm the bench.

What has Campbell done to warrant criticism? ?1m, decent player, first season in championship, played out of position and been mostly decent.

Not been over critical but said 6 million on these two players was not a wise investment ie there?s better around for that money in my view. Campbell was around 1.7 million actually and he?s been ok albeit a bit awkward with the ball at his feet but yes played out of position.

For me one of the biggest earners at the club should be a director of player recruitment with a bonus scheme attached for any player sell on fee. Our recruitment over the years has not been great to say the least! A great manager with balls should also be able to give youngsters more minutes and identify the urgent need of say a creative midfielder. You mentioned Grimes and agree with you. Bellingham was also one of the reasons Sunderland got promoted along with their policy of youth - not crocs or players whose legs have gone like some of ours!

We will go nowhere with Mason and if that?s the case hope any new manager brings in his own coaching staff who live and breath his style of play and tactics.