Analysis – BBC WM’s West Brom commentator Steve Hermon
The decision to give James Morrison the job permanently is a no‑brainer. The work he has done in his third interim spell has been nothing short of remarkable.
When he stepped in after the sacking of Eric Ramsay, Albion were rock bottom in confidence and on a 10‑game winless run.
His first match – a 2–1 loss to fellow strugglers Oxford at the end of February – prompted him to call out some players for an “unacceptable” performance.
It’s a dangerous card to play, but the squad responded with a miraculous turnaround that has seen them go 10 unbeaten.
He brought in Matt Gill in the days after that U’s defeat, praising the former Southampton assistant for his ‘fun’ training sessions.
Damia Abella and Boaz Myhill, who’ve been by his side for all of his caretaker stints have also been credited, and under-21 boss Leigh Downing was brought into the mix as well.
Morrison has leaned on experience too, picking up the phone to former Albion managers Steve Clarke and survival specialist Tony Pulis.
It looks like he took particular inspiration from the latter.
Since the catastrophe at the Kassam, the Baggies have gone back to basics, proving that a simple 4‑4‑2 can still work in the modern game.
They’ve been defensively solid – seven clean sheets in their last eight – but also more threatening going forward, with more crosses into the box and more touches in the opposition area than under Ryan Mason or Ramsay.
The man they call ‘Mozza’ – only his mother calls him James, he joked in an early radio interview – has also been impressive when a microphone has been shoved in his face.
By his own admission laid back, but in the pressure cooker of a relegation battle and a points deduction being thrown into the mix, that’s an ideal trait.
Despite being softly spoken his words are filled with passion and honesty, which is all the fans want to hear.
That authenticity, combined with the improvement on the pitch, has brought the fans back on side.
Recent atmospheres at The Hawthorns have been the best in years – a stark contrast to the apathy of the goalless draw with Sheffield Wednesday under Mason, or the toxicity that followed the embarrassing, record‑setting 5–0 horror show against Norwich. It’s hard to believe that was only three months ago.
After multiple missteps with managerial appointments, chairman and owner Shilen Patel has struck lucky. They dabbled with two inexperienced head coaches in their 30s when there was one already in the building.
For Morrison, the decision to accept the job will have been guided by both head and heart. His will head tell him he’s good enough – this run of form proves it – and he’s openly admitted he has enjoyed the challenge, despite some sleepless nights over team selection.
Returning to an assistant role under a new manager would have been almost impossible, meaning the alternative would potentially be ending his 19‑year association with the football club.
No doubt it’s a risk because at some point there will be a run of form that isn’t as good as the one he’s experiencing right now. But his heart would’ve told him instantly to take the job.
Although born in Darlington, when he stepped in for the FA Cup victory at Swansea in January he said West Brom is in his DNA.
Now, just a few weeks before his 40th birthday, he’s officially the man in charge.
This is undoubtedly a proud moment for ‘Mozza’, but it’s an opportunity he fully deserves – as will be the ice‑cold beer he’s been promising himself following the conclusion of this dramatic campaign.
