West Brom are firmly in the hunt for a return to the Premier League after a three-year absence, much to the surprise of many.
Not a great deal was expected from the Baggies this season – from the outside, at least – but Carlos Corberan has ensured a top-six finish is now the minimum aim.
If not for the performances of the players on the field, the mood around The Hawthorns would be full of doom and gloom given events off the field.
The takeover situation is continuing to drag on and more and more money is now owed through various loans that have been taken out.
Factor in that the parachute payments coming to an end, and supporters have plenty to be thankful for Corberan and his players for.
Albion have an almighty shot of promotion this season, albeit they will almost certainly have to do it via the play-offs, rather than automatically.
However, if the Baggies fall short this time around, their task may become more difficult than ever beyond this campaign.
That is in wake of comments made by English Football League chairman Rick Parry at Tuesday’s (16 January) DCMS Select Committee meeting.
Parry, as highlighted by finance expert Martin Calladine on Twitter [16 January], outlined new plans for clubs receiving parachute payments.
It was stated that the Premier League’s cost control proposals would limit Championship clubs to spending £20million a year.
That would not be the worst rule in the world as it would ensure clubs spend within their means, but relegated clubs would be able to spend £110m.
That is five times more than the chasing pack, which would only widen the gap between those dropping down and the rest.
As this season’s Championship shows, with Leicester City top, Southampton third and Leeds fourth, the gap is already hard enough to make up.
If anything, the other 21 clubs need more support, rather than having it taken away from them.
If Corberan can achieve what many felt was not possible in taking Albion up this season, then that will be a problem for another day.
