West Bromwich Albion fans should be confident that better days lay ahead now the club has moved into the hands of new owners, according to two former Baggies stars.

Don Goodman and Peter Odemwingie also believe the club have one of the best managers outside the Premier League and that this will help boost their chances of promotion.

The pair spoke as West Brom prepare to kick off he new season on Saturday by travelling to QPR in search of a first away win since March 10th.

That game comes just a week after the Baggies were placed under an EFL-imposed business plan which will limit the amount of business they can perform in the window.

These regulation issues were linked with previous ownership, with new majority shareholders Bilkul Football WBA, led by Shilen and Kiran Patel, working to tackle the issues alongside the EFL.

Speaking at the Farmfoods British Par 3, former West Brom striker Don Goodman commented: “It’s difficult times, and obviously the fault with the situation lies at the feet of the previous owner, we can’t get away from that.

“He was taking money out, loans out, and it left the club in a terrible state. They’ve got new owners, it’s settled things down, but unfortunately he is still having to mop up a little bit of the mess that was left.

“There’s two or three sales that have happened where really, West Brom could’ve done with holding onto them. So in terms of what will happen in the season, it’s hard to know really until the window slams shut.

“We’re not really going to have a full overview of what the squad looks like, the depth it’s got, so I hope Carlos Corberán is able to bring in 3 or 4 more players. I don’t think anyone can doubt he is one of the best coaches in the Championship, so you’ve got to have faith with him, but at the minute he’s having his hands tied behind his back.”

Peter Odemwingie, a fan favourite at The Hawthorns during his playing days between 2010-13, also believes the new ownership is a huge positive for the club, along with keeping hold of Corberán.

He said: “It was always going to be a transition period, new people come with new ideas, new visions, so everything may not be aligned yet. The coach has been here for longer than the new owners, so I’m sure they will find a middle ground.

“The new owners have been a blessing to the club, it’s good news and they are here to take the club back to the Premier League. Mix that with a hungry coach who was very close last season, and the next push is obviously to get back to the Prem.

“He (Corberán) knows what he wants, which is good, and the owners know they want a return on their investment. I’m sure they will do well, because West Brom have always been known to do the miraculous, so hopefully they get over the line.”

Nine players have left the Baggies so far this summer, with lessening the wage bill a top priority for the new ownership.

Forward Brandon Thomas-Asante and full-back Conor Townsend have recently left the club for Ipswich Town and Coventry City respectively, in search of new beginnings.

Goodman continued: “Conor (Townsend) has gone to Ipswich where he’s going to be in competition with Leif Davis who was the best left back in the league last season. Whether he’s going to be an immediate starter or a squad player is yet to be seen, but when you get the chance to play in the Premier League, you’ve got to take it.

“Brandon Thomas-Asante I believe had the option of going to Hull or Coventry, and having assessed where both clubs are, Coventry look the stronger option to be honest.

“I fancy them to do really well next season, and he’ll believe that they are his ticket to playing in the Premier League the following season. I can understand the moves from the players point of view, there’s no question about that.”

West Brom have been predicted by many to finish lower down the Championship than last season. Manager Coberán completed an impressive job in getting his team into the play-offs, with financial troubles clearly playing an issue to the side.

Odemwingie appears more hopeful despite recent EFL regulations playing a factor, with his eyes set clearly on promotion for the Baggies.

“I think they (West Brom) will definitely be in the top six again,” he continued. “I think they can build on last year despite a few leaving, especially with the new owners there.

“There is more hope at the club, many fans last season wouldn’t have expected to finish in the play-offs. I hope for automatic promotion, but I definitely think the top six is in reach.

“Carlos picked the club out of a difficult situation, pulling the club to the front door of the Premier League. He’s a great coach with young players.

“There’s a few good talents at West Brom who I’ve personally watched, and after game time last season they could be massive for the club.”

Both Goodman and Odemwingie were speaking as players at the Farmfoods British Par 3 Championships at Nailcote Hall, Warwickshire. To find out more about the event, visit: https://britishpar3.com