Derby County v West Brom: James Morrison unperturbed by risk in youthful Albion | OneFootball

James Morrison says he is unfazed by the risks of assembling a youthful West Brom side after a summer of change, as they visit Derby County on Wednesday night. ExpressAndStar.com reports that he views preparation, not risk, as decisive.

Albion have only one league victory in 106 years away at Derby, in 2003. John Eustace’s Rams have one league win from five this season.

Recruitment has been collaborative under owners Bilkul, with Ian Pearce and Dominic Price leading operations, while Morrison focuses on coaching.

“Every transfer is a risk - it could be the best player you’ve got and sometimes it doesn’t work,” Morrison said. “For me it’s always about the preparation.”

Albion have 10 points from 15 and, he said, must remember where they were, expect bumps and keep working with a young group from different leagues and countries.

Eight of nine outfield summer signings were aged 27 or under, with seven 23 or under. Only the returning Conor Townsend, and briefly Toby Collyer, have Championship experience. Academy graduate Harry Whitwell, 20, is set to sign a new four-year contract.

Morrison expects a physical contest at Pride Park, citing long balls, duels and balls into the box, and thinks Derby will come out the blocks. Former Albion midfielder Alex Mowatt, sold on the eve of the season for around £600,000-£700,000, is set to feature and the head coach hopes he gets a good reception.

Source: ExpressAndStar.com

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