West Brom backed to appoint 4-4-2 manager as Shilen Patel faces huge call | OneFootball

The Baggies are reportedly considering handing the cult hero a permanent role if they survive

Despite a backdrop of uncertainty and controversy off the pitch, West Bromwich Albion are certainly doing all they can on it to retain their Championship status after a tough 2025/26 season.

In recent times, the Baggies have become known as a side which often jumps between the Premier League and the Championship, but this season will see them finish in their lowest league position since 2000.

It has been a campaign full of frustration for those at The Hawthorns despite early promise under Ryan Mason, as he was dismissed in January and replaced by Eric Ramsay, who then endured, statistically, the worst-ever reign out of any manager or head coach in Albion history.

Former midfielder and cult hero, James Morrison, has since been handed the reins as interim head coach, and after a shaky start, the ex-Scotland international has certainly turned things around in B71 within the last month or so.

At present, the Black Country outfit are in the midst of an eight-game unbeaten run, which started against Sheffield United with a 1-1 draw at Bramall Lane on March 7th.

During an upsurge in fortunes which not many saw coming, the Baggies have also taken six points from a possible 12 against Southampton, Hull City, Wrexham and Millwall - all of whom could be featuring in next season's Premier League.

However, the looming threat of a potential points deduction could still decide Albion's fate, although a 2-0 win at Preston North End last time out saw Morrison's side go five points clear of 22nd place Oxford United ahead of a crucial round of midweek fixtures.

And, it has now been revealed how Shilen Patel and Co. are feeling about Morrison's future in the dugout, and Football League World's West Brom fan pundit, Callum Burgess, has provided his subsequent thoughts.

'Outstanding' verdict issued as fresh West Brom, James Morrison managerial stance emerges

Indeed, it has been reported by Football Insider that Albion chiefs are considering offering the 39-year-old a permanent role as head coach, should they avoid relegation to League One.

Unsurprisingly, a run of eight matches without defeat and just one throughout his entire tenure, which came against Oxford on February 28th, has led to the Darlington-born man becoming a 'leading contender'.

Given his pre-existing status at the club, which he played 341 times for between 2007 and 2019 and has since stuck with as a member of the coaching staff, Burgess believes Morrison has earned the right to be offered the role long-term.

"I think, at the very least, he should make it to the final shortlist of managers who could potentially lead us into next season," he told FLW.

"What he's managed (to do) with that squad of players, who looked hopeless under Ramsay after already underperforming under Mason, as well as turning us into a competent football team, cannot be underestimated whatsoever and very much puts him in good standing amongst the potential options.

"I'd give him the job and see how he can continue to develop players even further," Burgess stated.

"You look at Diakite and Campbell, they've been nothing short of outstanding whilst he's been in charge, whereas, previously, they looked like fringe players.

"I think, definitely, if we stick with the 4-4-2 and the style of football he's got us playing heading into next season where there's less pressure and less on the line, we can hopefully go further with Morrison in charge."

James Morrison has certainly done enough to be in contention for permanent West Brom head coach role

It, of course, remains to be seen which other managers and head coaches are on the hierarchy's shortlist at The Hawthorns, and how much this has, or could, be impacted by the concerning financial situation which has come to a head.

Regardless, though, Morrison has brought a sense of unity and confidence to a squad which was previously down on its luck, and Albion are currently performing like the side which many envisaged at the start of the season.

Of course, the challenge would be to see if he was able to maintain such form across an entire 46-game season, and which players from the current squad will remain at the club next season, and who could be added to it amid financial uncertainty.

However, the early signs have been more than promising, and Burgess' viewpoint is one that is likely to be shared by many Albion fans.