West Bromwich Albion are edging closer to appointing James Morrison as their new permanent head coach following a stunning run of form that secured their Championship safety.
Morrison's Interim Tenure
The former Baggies midfielder took interim charge of the club for the second time this season, and third overall, after Eric Ramsay's dreadful nine-game spell. A defeat in Morrison's first game in charge led him to call out some of the Albion players, sparking a revival that has seen them go on a ten-game unbeaten run.
That run was enough to secure their Championship safety. A win over Watford last week made them safe before an EFL points deduction left them needing a point against Ipswich to survive. They delivered to ensure their Championship status with one game to go.
Growing Calls for Permanent Role
As the weeks have gone on and Albion have continued their unbeaten run under Morrison, there have been growing calls for him to land the job on a full-time basis. Former teammates of the ex-midfielder, including Shane Long and Gareth Barry, insisted Morrison had done enough to take on the role permanently.
An Express & Star poll this week revealed that 96 per cent of Baggies fans were keen to see him land the job.
Decision Imminent
With one game left of the season as Albion head to Sheffield Wednesday, it appears the club are edging closer to naming Morrison as a permanent successor to Ramsay. It is unclear whether a deal for Morrison to become the Albion boss on a full-time basis will happen before the weekend, but it is highly likely he will become the permanent man in the Hawthorns dugout.
In recent weeks, Morrison has been asked about his future repeatedly. He has refused to shut the door on wanting the job permanently but did say after the Ipswich draw that the issue would be looked at following the end of the campaign.
"All I'm concentrating on is getting to the end of the season," Morrison told the Express & Star. "Realistically, there's going to be a lot of conversation. I'll give my thoughts and I'm sure the club will have their opinions. Let's just get to the end of the season and have a discussion."
