The West Bromwich Albion hierarchy are weighing up candidates for what will be their third managerial appointment after a turbulent campaign at The Hawthorns.
Following last season’s play-off disappointment — when a poor run of form during Tony Mowbray’s second spell in B71 saw Albion miss out after Carlos Corberan departed for Valencia in December 2024 — things have deteriorated further this term.
Owner Shilen Patel made his second permanent managerial appointment in June, handing former Tottenham Hotspur and England midfielder Ryan Mason his first full-time managerial role on a three-year deal.
Despite an unbeaten start to the Championship season across the first four matches, Albion’s form quickly collapsed. Mason’s reign came to an end after a 2-1 defeat to Leicester City on January 5.
He was swiftly replaced by Eric Ramsay, who signed a two-and-a-half-year contract just hours after interim boss James Morrison guided the side to an FA Cup win over Swansea City. However, Ramsay’s appointment proved disastrous. The former Minnesota United coach lasted only eight games — failing to secure a single victory — and was dismissed after just 44 days, making him the shortest-serving manager in the club’s history.
Reports suggest Ramsay’s tactical approach confused several members of the squad, leaving Morrison to once again step in as caretaker as Albion fight to avoid their first drop into League One since 1993.
Morrison, now 39, is a cult hero at The Hawthorns. The ex-Scotland international scored 39 goals in 341 appearances between 2007 and 2019 after joining from Middlesbrough. Following his retirement, he transitioned into coaching and has remained part of the first-team setup under six different permanent managers. Over the past year alone, he has overseen three matches as interim boss, including a draw with Cardiff City, a dramatic 5-3 win over Luton Town on the final day of last season, and the recent FA Cup penalty shootout triumph against Swansea.
His latest temporary spell began with a crucial clash away at Oxford United, as Albion look to halt a slide that has left them just one point clear of Leicester in the relegation zone. The Baggies are searching for their first league win since December 29, with a trip to Bramall Lane to face Sheffield United looming.
According to Football Insider, Morrison could be handed the job permanently if he sparks an immediate turnaround against Oxford and Sheffield United. While some supporters want clarity sooner rather than later, it is understood Patel is keen to assess whether Morrison can generate the quick response from the squad that Ramsay could not.
Several names have been linked with the vacancy. Sean Dyche is reportedly not interested, while potential reunions with Darren Moore and Slaven Bilic have been mentioned. Bilic recently declined an approach from Blackburn Rovers, who instead turned to Michael O’Neill on an interim basis.
For now, the decision rests with Patel — and whether Morrison can steady the ship in time.
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