Credit: Imago

Daniel Lewis

Sat 16 May 2026 15:45, UK

West Bromwich Albion pulled off a masterstroke in placing James Morrison in charge towards the end of this past season.

While it was considered a gamble at the time, the decision paid off massively and Morrison was rightly rewarded with the full-time position.

However, it was not just fan favourite Morrison who played a part in the Baggies’ strong end to the campaign.

Matt Gill was also hired to work alongside Morrison and that was considered a coup at the time given his CV.

But amid developments regarding Russell Martin at Watford, it may well be that West Brom are fearful of what is next for Gill.

Russell Martin and Matt Gill have close ties

Gill previously worked with Martin at Southampton and Rangers, as well as Swansea City, enjoying plenty of initial success with the Saints before a disastrous spell in Glasgow.

Those close ties may have West Brom and Morrison a little concerned as Martin looks set to return to management imminently.

Martin is said to be in advanced talks with Watford over becoming their new head coach following the recent sacking of Ed Still.

Morrison has talked up Gill’s qualities as a coach and there is no doubt he had an impact on the training ground.

The question now is whether Gill will remain at The Hawthorns beyond the summer, or if Martin will come calling if he is indeed appointed by Watford.

What is West Brom’s record since Gill joined coaching staff?

Albion lost 2-1 to fellow strugglers Oxford United in Morrison’s first game in charge, with many thinking relegation was inevitable at that point.

But a 10-game unbeaten run followed directly after that, only ending with a final-day defeat at Sheffield Wednesday when survival was already confirmed.

That coincided with Gill joining Morrison’s staff, having been appointed on the back of the loss to Oxford.

West Brom will now want as settled a summer as possible, with the appointment of Morrison on a permanent basis certainly helping with that.

Morrison will hope there are no changes to his own staff, before focus can then shift towards strengthening his playing squad in the summer transfer window.