Jeremy Peace has bid farewell to West Bromwich Albion’s supporters after agreeing to sell his controlling stake in the club to Guochuan Lai.
In a letter to Albion’s fans Peace says it was his target to leave the club in a better position than when he first walked through the doors 14 years ago.
Peace admits it has not all been plain sailing during his stewardship of the club but believes the Baggies now have an exciting future ahead of them.
“I think this acquisition of West Bromwich Holdings by Guochuan Lai, and the access he brings to the booming football interest in China, provides a great opportunity for the Club,” he said.
Albion have to grow and the potential to do so under the new owners is very real.
I’ve been over to China to meet with Guochuan and visit the offices of Palm and their management team. I believe what they presented takes the right long-term view for the Club, a belief that has grown throughout this process.
I wish Guochuan every success. He has a vision for the future and the energy to see it through. He’s 42; I was of a similar age when I became Chairman at The Hawthorns and recognise the enthusiasm and drive that will be needed to take the Club forward.
In his final farewell, Peace said his legacy was the state-of-the-art training ground, the Academy’s EPPP status and how the Baggies now had a squad full of international players.
He also mentioned how he was “particularly pleased” to have left the club with the Astle Gates and the Tony Brown statue outside the East Stand.
Peace will remain at the club in an advisory role for the season, but has stepped down from the club’s board with immediate effect.
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