New West Brom owner Guochuan Lai welcomed by Albion players and staff
New owner Guochuan Lai described Albion as a 'welcoming family' after meeting the players and staff on his first day at the club.
The 42-year-old Chinese entrepreneur, who bought Jeremy Peace's 88 per cent majority stake this summer, was given a tour of the training ground and The Hawthorns today.
Alongside new chairman John Williams, Lai met the players and the coaches at the training ground, although he had already met head coach Tony Pulis the previous evening at a dinner with the rest of the senior management staff to discuss the club's plans for the coming season.
After his tour of the training ground, Lai was taken to The Hawthorns, where he signed autographs for supporters outside the club shop.
He was taken onto the pitch and shown historical club memorabilia on display inside.
"I feel this has exceeded all of my expectations," Lai said, through an interpreter.
"I feel as if I have joined a very welcoming family and I am really touched by the warmth of my reception.
"Everyone has been so friendly and I cannot wait to see my first game."
Lai will spend the majority of the season in China to be with his family and look after his other business investments.
But he does plan to attend Albion's first home game of the season against Everton on Saturday, August 20, when he will buy every home fan a free drink.
Baggies skipper Darren Fletcher met the new owner on his first day at the club and sat down for a quick chat with him.
The former Manchester United midfielder was impressed with Lai and told him about the players currently at the club.
"I was struck by how enthusiastic he was to meet everyone, all the players and all the staff," said Fletcher. "He has clearly got a real passion for the role he has taken on.
"I told him that the dressing room was full of a great group of lads who are really tight.
"We are ambitious too and want to take Albion forward and hopefully together with Mr Lai that is what we will do."
Lai's takeover still needs to be ratified by the Financial Conduct Authority and the Premier League.
He's yet to reveal how much money he plans to pump into the club, although Williams says there are 'funds available' for 'two or three realistic targets'.
The Baggies have only made one signing so far this summer, bringing Matt Phillips in from Queens Park Rangers for £5million.
Last week the club pulled the plug on a £16m club-record deal for West Ham striker Diafra Sakho, and supporters are starting to grow restless with just four days to go before the start of the season.
Albion kick off their Premier League campaign at Crystal Palace on Saturday.
