Credit: Imago

Cameron Smith

Wed 3 June 2026 14:00, UK

James Morrison has been trusted to guide West Bromwich Albion to a more prosperous 2026-27 season in the Championship. 

Appointed on an interim basis in February, the former midfielder was handed the immediate task of guiding the Baggies to safety.

That, he most certainly did, with a 10-match unbeaten run securing a Championship spot with games to spare, on top of a points deduction. 

Handed the job on a full-time basis, Morrison has been trusted as the man to lead Albion forward.

And based on the latest comments from Max O’Leary, West Brom look to have landed the right man.

What has Max O’Leary said about James Morrison’s impact?

O’Leary proved pivotal in the late turnaround under Morrison, keeping eight clean sheets since his January arrival.

After question marks were raised surrounding his future, the Republic of Ireland international penned a new three-year deal at The Hawthorns on Tuesday. 

Speaking on the impact of Morrison, the goalkeeper told Express & Star: “It wasn’t the position we wanted to be in last season, but ultimately, we earned safety by putting together a great run of results and performances as a whole group.

“There are some top players in this squad, and we want to push on and ensure we have a really strong year under James Morrison,” he added.

Morrison had taken charge of the first team before, though the extended task until the end of the season was undoubtedly the toughest yet.

“The boss brought real clarity of what he wanted from us as players last season,” added O’Leary, who was keen to admit how excited he is for the coming season.

“Knowing that he was staying on as the permanent boss certainly made my decision easier. I’m really looking forward to working with him again in 2026-27.”

Where will West Brom stand in 2026-27?

Naturally, a club of West Brom’s size will always carry promotion ambitions whenever they are in the second tier.

Those hopes have not been realised in recent years, with the chopping and changing of projects not helping.

Now, it appears that Albion have landed the right man to lead them forward, aided by his connections with the club and the fact that the fanbase is willing to give him time. 

Given the circumstances of the most recent season, the expectation will, of course, not be to go up immediately.

But clubs have proven before that it can happen, with Hull City being the most recent example.

In general, Baggies fans will want to see progress.

If Morrison can instil a style of play and secure a much higher place in the standings, it will be a job well done for the former midfielder, earning him the chance to continue leading West Brom as they aim for promotion.