West Bromwich Albion have appointed James Morrison as head coach on a two-year contract, rewarding the former midfielder for steering the club to Championship safety after a turbulent season.
Morrison, 39, initially took over on an interim basis following the sacking of Eric Ramsay in late February and was later placed in charge until the end of the campaign. Under his guidance, the Baggies were revitalised, winning four matches, drawing six, and suffering only one defeat — his first game against Oxford United.
Despite a two-point deduction for financial breaches that threatened relegation, Morrison's side secured their Championship status with a point in their final home match against Ipswich Town.
"I'm honoured and humbled to have been appointed as head coach of this great football club," Morrison said. "The togetherness we have displayed in recent months — as players, staff, directors and fans — shows the enormous power of the Albion when it's focused on a collective goal. We must now use that passion and energy to set the club back on course for success."
Chairman Shilen Patel praised Morrison's leadership, saying he "led the club out of a real moment of adversity" and helped "bring us all together." Patel added: "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."
BBC WM's West Brom commentator Steve Hermon described Morrison's achievement as "nothing short of remarkable," noting that when he stepped in, Albion were rock bottom in confidence and on a 10-game winless run.
Morrison spent 12 years as a player at West Brom, scoring 39 goals in 341 appearances. The club will play their final game of the season at relegated Sheffield Wednesday.