How West Brom actually feel about appointing James Morrison permanently | OneFootball

James Morrison is currently the temporary West Brom head coach

West Brom took a big step towards earning their survival in the Championship on Saturday.

A 2-0 win for the Baggies against Preston North End moved them five points clear of the bottom three with three games still to play.

James Morrison’s side are unbeaten in their last eight league games, which has given them a cushion on the likes of Oxford United and Leicester City.

However, it was reported last week that the club are at risk of being handed a points deduction penalty by the EFL for an alleged breach of their profit and sustainability rules (PSR).

It remains to be seen whether this case will impact Albion’s efforts to remain in the Championship or not, with the sanctioning of any point deduction for the current campaign carrying the potential to put the side back into the bottom three.

Morrison was appointed as West Brom’s third head coach of the campaign, and he has overseen three wins and five draws from his nine games in charge after taking over in February.

West Brom take James Morrison permanent appointment stance

Morrison was brought in as an interim option for the remainder of the campaign after Eric Ramsay’s disastrous tenure came to an end after just 44 days.

According to Football Insider, the Baggies are ready to offer the 39-year-old the permanent position provided they avoid the drop to League One.

The former midfielder is believed to have impressed the hierarchy at the Hawthorns, which has led to him becoming a leading contender to take charge of the team for next season.

Ryan Mason was initially appointed in the summer in what was his first ever head coach role, but he was dismissed in January amid faltering form.

Ramsay was brought in as his replacement, joining from MLS side Minnesota United, but he only lasted six weeks in charge in what proved a disastrous reign.

Morrison was previously the interim head coach on two occasions, overseeing a total of three games, but this third opportunity in charge has put him in pole position to become the next permanent manager.

While the threat of a points deduction could lead to relegation still, it’s understood that Morrison is in line to be offered the permanent position if they survive.

The Baggies haven’t competed in the third tier of English football since 1993.

Next up for 20th place West Brom is a home game against Watford on Tuesday evening in a 7.45pm kick-off, with five points separating them from 22nd Oxford United.

James Morrison has earned permanent position at West Brom

Morrison lost his first game of this stint as interim head coach to rivals Oxford, but that is the only real blemish on his record after nine games.

Three wins and five draws followed, and that’s put the club back in position to survive, although they aren’t clear just yet.

The prospect of a points deduction hangs over the Midlands outfit, but that isn’t in Morrison’s control, and he’s done a great job with what is in his control.

If they survive or not, he is looking like a very sensible option to become the next permanent head coach, and he’s earned the chance to bring the team into the next campaign.