West Bromwich Albion mathematically secured their Championship safety with a comfortable 3-0 victory over Watford, but an impending independent commission hearing means the celebrations must wait. Here is the latest debrief from the Hawthorns.
Morrison's Target
With owner Shilen Patel watching on, interim head coach James Morrison bolstered his case for the permanent role. Morrison, known for his transparency, remained coy about Patel's post-match message but revealed that surpassing 50 points had been the internal target since he took charge in early March. His side have taken 17 points from nine unbeaten games since the Oxford United match, reaching 52 points. This achievement is remarkable for a head coach in his first senior role, especially given the club's earlier dreadful run of results.
Conflicting Mood at the Hawthorns
Morrison described the atmosphere as 'flat' at times, a sentiment likely influenced by the uncertainty surrounding the EFL charge. The eight-point gap to the bottom three has eased genuine fear, and any potential points penalty is expected to be minor (no more than three points). However, the scandalous timing of the charge has prevented the club from fully celebrating their survival feat. The fans were loud in patches, but a conflicted backdrop persisted. A positive result against Ipswich on Saturday or a definitive hearing outcome may finally allow for jubilation.
Danny Imray's Rise
Albion's loan deals have often been hapless, but Danny Imray has become a rare success story. The 22-year-old Crystal Palace wing-back initially struggled under former boss Eric Ramsay's failed system, looking out of place in a low-confidence side. However, under Morrison, Imray has flourished. His front-foot style has won over fans, and he has been defensively rugged. He scored his first goal for the club and provided a pinpoint assist for Isaac Price's opener. With at least another year on his Selhurst Park deal, his summer development will be intriguing to watch.
