James Morrison has been handed the reins at the Hawthorns in a permanent capacity
17:00, 30 Apr 2026Updated 17:15, 30 Apr 2026
James Morrison has been named the permanent West Brom boss(Image: West Bromwich Albion FC via Getty Images)
Former Middlesbrough midfielder James Morrison has been given the West Brom head coach role permanently, after guiding the club to safety.
The Boro academy graduate took charge of the Baggies for the remainder of the season after Eric Ramsay was sacked after just nine games in charge, from which he picked up no wins.
Morrison ended up doing a brilliant job for West Brom and, with only one defeat in 14, steered them to Championship safety with one game to spare, despite a two-point deduction for an EFL charge of breaching PSR.
Handing Morrison a two-year contract, chairman Shilen Patel said: “James has led the club out of a real moment of adversity, and I would like to thank him and his staff for helping to bring us all together.
“We did not survive by accident, and James’ appointment is thoroughly deserved. His burgeoning leadership was key to inspiring and uniting the entire club when we needed it most. He embodies what this club is about and conveys the standards expected by our fans.
“James has all the qualities required to take this club forward and I am excited by a future with him leading our players.”
On getting the role permanently, Morrison said: “I’m honoured and humbled to have been appointed head coach of this great football club.
“The togetherness we have displayed in recent months – as players, staff, directors and fans – shows the enormous power of the Albion when it’s focused on a collective goal. We must now use that passion and energy to set the club back on course for success.
“Right now, my focus is on preparing the team for our final game at Sheffield Wednesday on Saturday – but to go to Hillsborough knowing our fate has already been settled on the pitch is down to the hard work of everyone at The Hawthorns.
“I would like to thank everyone for their efforts during my time as interim – not least the fans who backed us to safety. I will never forget the end to the Ipswich game when it felt like it was us against the world, with the atmosphere off the pitch matching the efforts of the players on it. Here’s to more of that, please.”
Elsewhere, Burnley confirmed on Thursday that Scott Parker had left the club by mutual consent. After guiding the Clarets to promotion last term, they have been relegated back to the Championship, but will be looking for a new head coach ahead of their second-tier return. Wales boss Craig Bellamy is the early frontrunner.
———-
Here at TeessideLive, we are dedicated to bringing you the best Middlesbrough FC coverage and analysis.
Make sure you don’t miss out on the latest Boro news by joining our free WhatsApp group. You can get all the breaking news and best analysis sent straight to your phone by clicking here to subscribe.
Your information will be hidden, you’ll only ever receive messages from the Teesside Live sports team, and you can leave any time you like. To leave our community click on the name at the top of your screen and choose ‘Exit group’. If you’re curious, you can read our Privacy Notice .
You can also subscribe to our free newsletter service. Click here to be sent all the day’s biggest stories.