West Bromwich Albion owner Shilen Patel has insisted the club ‘did not survive by accident’ as he praised James Morrison after handing him the permanent head coach role.
Morrison’s Rise to Permanent Role
James Morrison has become Albion’s third permanent head coach of the season, following the dismissals of Ryan Mason and Eric Ramsay. The former midfielder was placed in interim charge for the second time this season and the third spell overall after a dreadful nine-game run under Ramsay.
Morrison faced a significant task to address the slide, but he did so with a ten-game unbeaten run that secured Championship safety for the Baggies. He now becomes the latest manager to take the hotseat at The Hawthorns.
Patel’s Praise for Morrison
Patel, who took over the club in 2024, has faced heavy criticism from supporters this season for the club’s managerial appointments. For a period, it looked as though Mason might succeed, but form nosedived, and Ramsay failed to deliver a victory in his nine games in charge. However, the decision to hand Morrison the job on an interim basis proved to be the right move.
On announcing Morrison as the club’s new permanent head coach, the Baggies owner insisted survival was no accident and praised Morrison for leading Albion through adversity. He believes the former midfielder embodies what the club is about.
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.”
