The final day of the Championship season did not go as planned for West Bromwich Albion and head coach James Morrison. Morrison admitted that Albion's dismal 2-1 defeat at Sheffield Wednesday came as a stark reality check.
Unbeaten Run Ends in Defeat
The Baggies' 10-game unbeaten run came to a shuddering halt against the relegated basement side in Morrison's first match as permanent boss. Wednesday's 2-1 victory, sealed on a day when their takeover was confirmed amid scenes of celebration at Hillsborough, ensured Albion finished 21st in the Championship, just one place above the relegation zone.
"It's a good reality check, really," Morrison admitted. "I've been in those situations before, but we've set standards to improve on this season."
The largest attendance in the Championship during the 2025/26 season, 33,750 spectators, saw Morrison's side end the campaign with a whimper. Quickfire goals from set pieces before half-time left the visitors facing an uphill challenge on a day of jubilant scenes as Wednesday's takeover from the troubled Dejphon Chansiri era was confirmed.
Late Consolation Not Enough
Albion's Karlan Grant pulled one back with a late consolation goal, but the visitors were deservedly beaten. "It's just football, isn't it?" the head coach added. "It's got a funny way of telling you not to get carried away. There's been big outside noise this week. It's probably taken everyone's focus off this match."
The unbeaten run of 10 matches had been a stunning run of form that staved off relegation under Morrison. Albion had not been beaten since the former coach's first game as caretaker boss, but his first match in permanent charge after signing a two-year contract last week resulted in Wednesday's first home league win of the season.
Summer Overhaul Ahead
Substitute scorer Grant was one of five Albion players whose contracts expire this summer to feature at Hillsborough. A significant overhaul of the squad is expected this summer as Albion look to respond from a miserable 21st-place finish. "I've got hard work to start," Morrison said of the work ahead. "I've got to start planning, being organised, speak with the club, and just be organised and be ready and get what I want."
