West Bromwich Albion opinion: Looking back at two years of Bilkul’s ownership

It must be said, of course, that Bilkul have done some very good – and vital – things off the field. First and foremost, the club would have gone into administration without a takeover.

They have so far dealt with a precarious Profit and Sustainability situation by staying within the rules to avoid a points deduction and Patel has spent millions of pounds covering debts inherited from the previous regime.

It is hoped they can begin to free themselves from the shackles of those restrictions in the summer, although that will be influenced by what league they are competing in next season.

The Tampa-based businessman has also backed Albion’s women’s team by bringing them fully into the club and spent more than £1m improving the training ground. It’s also now sponsored by one of his companies. That’s a smart business move.

The Hawthorns stadium has had a fresh coat of paint, hawthorn bushes were planted to mark the 125th anniversary of Albion’s move to the ground and safe-standing rails have been installed, but there’s a lot more they can do to improve the matchday experience.

A recent Albion Assembly meeting attended by senior figures and supporters discussed the lack of atmosphere, including the PA system and their fanzone.

The latter is on the car park of a well-known bakery brand housed in a listed building on Halfords Lane.

It is also uncovered, so if it rains it isn’t very popular. Club officials are aware it needs to improve and say they are taking steps to do so.

The most important aspect of a matchday, though, is the main product – the football – which has been nowhere near good enough.

The sight of increasingly empty seats at The Hawthorns may have contributed to Patel’s decision to dismiss a third head coach in under 11 months, because, to put it in business terms, it is not favourable to your bottom line if your customers are choosing not to consume the product you are selling them.