Paul Thompson offered the Chairman's Role

23 December 1999

Paul Thompson has now been offered the job of Chairman of West Bromwich Albion plc. The announcement was made by acting Chairman Joe Brandrick, who hopes to have a reply from Thompson by tomorrow. Brandrick said that he was keen to get the situation resolved as soon as possible and to get some stability back in place so the Club can move forward.

It would be fair to ask just what exactly has been going on in the Hawthorns Boardroom. It's nearly a week since the resignation of Hale, and in that week we've seen both Driscoll and Colston speak out in favour of Thompson - and then resign. On the other hand, Thompson was seen in the Directors box at Ewood Park for Albion's defeat in the FA Cup replay last night, so would appear to be already getting involved in the Club again. Finally, manager Brian Little has explained that he has been told there is no cash whatsoever available for team strengthening - not even enough to make a loan signing - and despite the receipt of the money from last week's sale of Kevin Kilbane. Clearly Little is unhappy - but has reserved any statement about his future until he has had a chance to talk to the new Chairman.

Update: Thompson has accepted the job, and Albion will confirm the appointment at a Press Conference tomorrow morning. Brandrick has said that he would like to continue as a Director - which almost sounds like a polite request to Thompson!

Previous Stories:

  22 December 1999:  Don Colston leaves the Board

  21 December 1999:  Jim Driscoll leaves the Board

  20 December 1999:  Player bust-up leaves steward out cold

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