'Get the job done first and then start talking' - James Morrison's take on West Brom's out of contract players
Albion are pushing for Championship survival - as four high-profile members of the attacking ranks near the end of their contracts.
Albion boss James Morrison believes the heat of a relegation dogfight is a “difficult time” for players to call for new contracts.
The Baggies are pushing for Championship survival having picked up form under Morrison as the former midfielder leads his troops into a crunch clash at home to Millwall on Friday night.
Albion’s spike in results have come while several high-profile players have reached the final months of their contracts at The Hawthorns. Those include attacking quartet Josh Maja, Daryl Dike, Karlan Grant and Jed Wallace and goalkeeper Max O’Leary.
Boss Morrison, however, believes now is not the time for future talks to ramp up with so much on the line.
“I think it's a difficult time to start asking for a new contract,” Morrison told the Express & Star.
“When we're in this fight, I don't feel like those players will be knocking on the door asking.
“I think we're all wanting to get the job done first and then they can start asking.
“I wouldn't want them to start asking now because I want them focused on the job.”
It is likely the summer will provide the latest opportunity for the club to continue to manage the squad financially given Dike, Maja, Grant and Wallace are long-serving players towards the top end of the wage bracket.
Albion are four points above the dotted line and can build on that in the Millwall clash.
Morrison, meanwhile, was edged out by Southampton’s Tonda Eckert for March’s Championship manager of the month but said of his nomination: “It's a nice feeling for the whole coaching staff, players, a reflection on the hard work that we've been putting in.
“So yes, it's just about us keep going with that belief and determination I keep talking about.”
“Yes - and no sometimes!” Morrison smiled when asked about enjoying the role.
“It's a lot to deal with sometimes, but it's a good feeling to have when you get the rewards of the weeks that you've been putting in with the results at the end of it.
“You enjoy it for a few hours and then your focus is on the next task ahead, but I think I'll enjoy it when the job's done.”
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