West Brom manager search update emerges - 39-year-old could get job | OneFootball

The Baggies midfield icon is currently in temporary charge following Eric Ramsay's exit

The West Bromwich Albion hierarchy are currently weighing up options regarding the third managerial appointment of what has been a disastrous season at The Hawthorns.

After missing out on a second finish inside the Championship play-off places last season due to a dismal run of form in what was Tony Mowbray's second managerial stint in B71 following Carlos Corberan's departure to La Liga side, Valencia, in December 2024, the current campaign has seen the Baggies plummet down the standings.

In June, Shilen Patel made the second permanent appointment of his now two-year tenure as owner in this part of the West Midlands by handing former Tottenham Hotspur and England midfielder, Ryan Mason, his maiden full-time managerial role on a three-year deal.

However, he would only last a matter of months in the role, with Albion enduring a poor run of form after an initially promising start to the Championship season which saw them go unbeaten in their first four encounters.

The final straw for Mason proved to be a 2-1 defeat to Leicester City on January 5th, and he was replaced by another summer target, Eric Ramsay, who penned a two-and-a-half year deal at The Hawthorns on January 11th, hours after James Morrison oversaw an FA Cup success over Swansea City as interim boss.

It proved to be a disastrous appointment, though, with the ex-Minnesota United boss breaking the unwanted record of becoming West Brom's shortest-serving manager in history, lasting just eight matches - of which none were won by the Baggies - and just 44 days.

It has since been revealed that Ramsay's philosophy often confused the current crop of Albion players, who are now back under the interim guidance of Morrison, whilst Bilkul Football WBA weigh up the best option to stave off a first relegation to League One since 1993.

Fresh West Brom managerial update emerges involving Baggies cult hero James Morrison

The 39-year-old is the epitome of a modern-day cult hero in this part of the West Midlands, having scored 39 times across 341 appearances for the Baggies between August 2007 and May 2019 after signing from Middlesbrough.

After retiring, the 46-time Scotland international has remained on Albion's books in a coaching capacity, which saw him promoted to a first-team role in December 2020 following the appointment of Sam Allardyce.

Morrison has remained in said role under six permanent managers or head coaches now, and has also taken interim charge of three matches within the past 12 months, drawing against Cardiff City before defeating Luton Town 5-3 on the final day of last season, as well as the recent penalty-shootout success in the FA Cup against Swansea.

It was confirmed by the club that the former midfielder would take interim charge for the meantime, with his latest stint beginning with a crucial encounter against Oxford United at the Kassam Stadium on Saturday afternoon.

The Baggies are currently just one point ahead of Leicester, who are still inside the relegation zone despite earning credible away draws versus Stoke City and Middlesbrough following Gary Rowett's initial short-term appointment.

With West Brom searching for a much-needed first league win since December 29th, it has now been claimed by Football Insider that Morrison could land the permanent gig if he earns positive results against Oxford and Sheffield United, with a trip to Bramall Lane coming next weekend.

Despite their struggles, Albion did take maximum points against both sides earlier in the season, winning 2-1 and 2-0 at The Hawthorns respectively.

Fresh James Morrison, West Brom managerial update highlights potential Shilen Patel thought process

Whilst some supporters would hope for immediate clarity on the managerial situation given Albion's precarious position in the table, the aforementioned update highlights that Patel is potentially keen on seeing whether Morrison is able to get an immediate tune out of the playing squad, something which Ramsay was unable to do.

Several names have emerged as potential candidates, whilst it was revealed on Friday that ex-Nottingham Forest boss, Sean Dyche, is not interested in the vacant post.