Interim EFL manager on the verge of permanent job after successful rescue mission

West Brom are reportedly close to appointing James Morrison as their permanent head coach.

The former Baggies star was placed in interim charge at the Hawthorns in March following the sacking of Eric Ramsay.

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This was Morrison’s second interim spell this season, having also stepped into the role after Ryan Mason’s departure in January.

Since his most recent appointment, the ex-Scotland international has twice guided West Brom to Championship safety.

Morrison’s side had moved eight points clear of the second tier relegation zone with two games left to play, before they were plunged back into danger by being deducted two points.

But a point against Ipswich in their last match saw West Brom once again secure their Championship status.

This is due in no small part to Morrison, who has overseen a ten-game unbeaten run, while he has lost just once in his 11 matches in charge.

And according to Telegraph reporter John Percy, the Baggies are now closing in on appointing the club hero on a full-time basis.

James Morrison’s coaching career so far

This would be Morrison’s first permanent role in senior management, having spent his entire club coaching career at West Brom.

He began working as a coach in the club’s academy in 2019, following his retirement from playing football at the Hawthorns.

The 39-year-old was then promoted to a first-team coaching role in December 2020, following Sam Allardyce‘s appointment as manager.

Morrison was also part of the Scotland national team’s coaching staff between 2023 and 2024.

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In April 2025, he was appointed West Brom caretaker manager after Tony Mowbray‘s sacking, taking charge of their final two games of the season, winning once and drawing the other.

Morrison then took charge of one game as caretaker boss in January after Mason’s exit, before he was named as interim boss until the end of the season in March following Ramsay’s dismissal.

Having taken over with the club hovering just above the relegation zone, he has inspired a strong run of form.

This is made all the more impressive considering recent setbacks off the pitch, with West Brom’s point deduction coming after they were found guilty of breaching Profitability and Sustainability (P&S) Rules.

Should Morrison be placed in permanent charge, it would no doubt prove a popular appointment among fans.

As a player, he spent 12 seasons with the Baggies, where he established himself as a firm favourite.

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Morrison arrived in August 2007 from Middlesbrough and went on to make a whopping 341 appearances for the Black Country side.

He played a key role in keeping West Brom in the Premier League for eight seasons before they were relegated at the end of the 2017/18 campaign.