James Morrison invites John Homer to inspire West Brom squad before Burnley win | OneFootball

James Morrison brought much loved Albion supporter John Homer in to speak to his players last month, before the Burnley match at The Hawthorns.

According to ExpressAndStar.com, the head coach invited the 71-year-old supporters’ club chairman to the Walsall training base for a 15 minute session with players and staff.

Homer outlined Black Country origins, Albion’s working-class roots and trophy history, and the demand for honest graft. Days later, Albion beat Burnley at The Hawthorns.

Morrison said the talk went down well, praised Homer’s enthusiasm and said he wanted it to rub off on the squad. He stressed the value of understanding the club’s history.

The pair have a long relationship from Morrison’s two decades at Albion. He added Homer will watch nervously on Sunday’s Black Country derby at Wolves.

Homer, from Gornal, has supported Albion across six decades and has held a season ticket for 50 years. He leads weekly Hawthorns Memories dementia sessions and regular tours of The Hawthorns.

He also guides at the Black Country Museum in Dudley and has published poetry. Morrison called the visit positive and said players enjoyed hearing what these matches mean to Homer.

Baggies captain George Campbell noted Elihu Burritt coined Black Country in 1862 and said the history offers perspective. He praised fans like Homer who turn up every year.

Homer said he is simply a fan and was humbled by the respect shown. He felt proud to explain why the club’s foundations still matter at nearly 150 years old.

Source: ExpressAndStar.com

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