West Brom make surprise managerial decision ahead of crucial survival showdown with Portsmouth, Leicester City & Co
Pompey sit four points clear of 21st-placed West Brom, who have made a shock managerial decision ahead of their crucial Championship run in.
West Brom have confirmed the shock appointment of interim boss James Morrison for the remainder of the campaign.
The 39-year-old has been confirmed as the man to lead the Baggies for their crucial run in as they vie to maintain their Championship status.
It’s been a hugely-disappointing campaign at The Hawthorns, with just one point currently separating themselves with 22nd-placed Leicester City.
Morrison was initially placed in interim charge just nine days ago following the dismissal of Eric Ramsay, who lasted just nine games in the hot-seat.
The former Manchester United coach failed to claim a league victory during his brief tenure, which also saw West Brom fall to a ruthless 3-0 defeat to Pompey at Fratton Park last month.
Morrison now becomes the third head coach with the West Midlands outfit this term after Ryan Mason was sacked in January before Ramsay’s axing at the end of February.
The ex-Scotland international lead the Baggies for Saturday’s hugely-disappointing defeat to relegation-rivals Oxford United, which leaves them just one point above the drop zone.
West Brom boss pulls no punches after Oxford defeat
The 39-year-old, who had a successful playing career at The Hawthorns, pulled no punches over his players’ performances after the loss at the Kassam Stadium.
‘Yes, I do (feel let down), yeah,’ he told the Express and Star over the weekend.
‘I've said to them before, I'm with them 100 per cent, I feel like one of them. I felt the tools were there to put a performance in, and it wasn't there.
‘Especially with all the possession we had. I don't know what the possession stats were, what, 65 per cent? But what did we do with it? Backwards, sidewards, cross from deep, perfect for them.
‘There were words in the dressing room after the game, but I want what was said to remain in the dressing room.
‘There were some harsh words, but there had to be. You can see that I’m frustrated. That was a big game for us today.
‘The supporters have every right to show their frustration. We feel that frustration. I don’t want to use the cliché of sticking together or anything like that.
‘Maybe we're not as good as we think we are? Maybe we are where we are? You get what you deserve, really.’
Following confirmation of Morrison’s appointment for the remainder of the season, West Brom have also announced the arrival of Matt Gill.
The 45-year-old, who has spent time working with Russell Martin at Southampton and Rangers, has joined the Scot’s backroom staff as they look to pull away from danger.
The Baggies face Sheffield United, Southampton, Hull City, Bristol City and Wrexham in their next five games and are crucially without a win in any of their previous 11 matches.