West Brom chairman Shilen Patel admits 'accountability' on season's failings
Chairman Shilen Patel has shouldered responsibility for failures leading to Albion's relegation dogfight this season.
The owner's second full season at the helm at The Hawthorns has spiralled into a disaster and left the Baggies in the Championship relegation zone in February.
The failed appointment of Ryan Mason, who was sacked in early January, led to the dismissal of club president and sporting director Andrew Nestor this week. Nestor was sacked following poor decisions regarding appointments and recruitment.
But Patel - who marks two years as owner at the end of February - admitted that he is "ultimately accountable" for the desperate position in the table the club finds itself in under current head coach incumbent Eric Ramsay, appointed last month.
Patel said: “As chairman I am ultimately accountable for our performance and the season to date has simply not been good enough. I am absolutely determined to put that right by guiding the club through this period so we can all be far more optimistic about the future.
“Throughout this adversity the loyalty of our support has not wavered, and now the need for that support is greater than ever. I am incredibly grateful to everyone who has travelled to The Hawthorns and across the country to back the team, and I know that support will continue for our remaining 16 league fixtures.
“I am confident everyone who cares for this club will come together to confront this challenge as one.”
Albion host Stoke in the Championship on Saturday bidding to improve on a run of one win in nine league games.
Head coach Ramsay is winless, with two of the three defeats coming in heavy humblings by relegation rivals in Norwich and Portsmouth.
Albion followed Nestor's exit with the re-appointment of Mark Miles, who returned as executive director in an off-field leadership role after five months away.
Patel added: “We are fortunate to have Mark back at the club and back on our board. His experience and leadership will be critical to us as we pull together as one club to move through a difficult period and continue in our pursuit of our long-term ambitions.
“Mark and many of the dedicated staff here have worked together to overcome adversity in the past, and with a collective spirit of resilience and belief we can see this season through."
