James Morrison backed as 'best man' by West Brom club chief

Morrison, 39, is in his 19th year at the club and last week was rewarded for a stellar spell in caretaker charge with a two-year contract as permanent boss.

Club executive director Mark Miles, who returned to The Hawthorns in February following a brief absence, insisted the appointment by owners Bilkul was based on Morrison’s ability as a head coach and not for his close affiliation with the Baggies.

"We're excited for the future,” Miles told the Express & Star.

“Don't get me wrong - James has been appointed because he's the best man for the job, that's why we've done that.

"It's great that he's got the knowledge (of the club), the background, being a club legend.

"But he's the best person for the role and we think to take this club forward through the summer, next season and hopefully beyond that."

Former Scotland international Morrison made just shy of 350 appearances for the Baggies across his 12-year playing career at The Hawthorns.

His playing days ended following 2019’s play-off defeat to Villa and retirement was confirmed a few months later.

Morrison non-playing roles have included coaching at academy level on two occasions as well as being drafted into the first-team reckoning by Sam Allardyce initially and then Tony Mowbray upon the latter’s brief 2025 return.

Morrison also coached Scotland under Steve Clarke for a year and told the Express & Star last year about his ambition as a head coach.

"This is a great club and really important to me and James has said the same,” added long-serving senior staff member Miles. “One of the key things we've seen over the last couple of months is the importance of togetherness.

"James and his staff have galvanised the whole club, we've come together out of a tricky situation and can start looking forward.”