James Morrison delivered a blunt one-word response when asked about his ambitions for West Bromwich Albion, making clear his determination to drive the club forward after securing Championship survival.
Morrison's Unwavering Belief
The head coach, appointed on a two-year contract, was unequivocal in his belief that his squad can achieve even more than the impressive 10-match unbeaten run that ultimately kept them in the division. Albion finished one place and four points above the relegation line, a remarkable feat given a two-point deduction imposed by the EFL.
When asked directly if the players can perform better than they have under his stewardship, Morrison replied simply: "Yes."
He elaborated: "Yes they can. I want to keep that environment. I’m big on that. Good people wanting to come in and improve every day. That’s what I will try to guarantee. I will work with them and not against them. But if I feel they are not doing what I want then I’ve got to be firm."
Form and Draws
Albion's form in the final 10 games of the season, including the defeat at Sheffield Wednesday, placed them fifth in the Championship form table. The unbeaten run before that featured six draws and four victories. Too many draws have been a recurring issue for the club in recent years, including a notable sequence under former boss Carlos Corberan that saw 10 draws in 11 matches.
Morrison acknowledged this: "Exactly that. Previously, we’ve had a lot of draws, and in previous seasons. So we’ll try to be organised and hard to beat, that’s a big one for us. And being exciting in the final third at the right times, playing quickly, are all the things I’d like to see."
With a clear vision and a firm hand, Morrison is determined to build on this season's survival and push West Brom higher up the Championship table.
