West Bromwich Albion maintained a tight squad full of what are now regarded as cult heroes during their eight-year stint in the Premier League last decade.
Two of their more prominent members of this period and even earlier were Chris Brunt and James Morrison, who were honoured with a ‘clash of the legends’ testimonial event for their services to the club just last month.
Is James Morrison a West Brom legend?
David Law labelled the two “Albion legends”, with them having played 421 and 341 times for the Baggies respectively.
Signed for just £1.5m back in 2007, Tony Mowbray’s unassuming signing of Morrison was clearly one which he was proud of.
He claimed following their capture of him: “James is a very talented young player… He’s a creative midfield player and will bring versatility to our attacking options.”
Having now scored 39 times and assisted 36 across his numerous appearances for the club, it is fair to say that this turned out to be a fine investment.
He would eventually retire at the Hawthorns in the summer of 2019 but went on to re-join the club as a coach, reaffirming his love for the Midlands outfit.
If at the time of his signing someone would have predicted he would stick around at West Brom for the following 12 years, it would have seemed unbelievable.
Although he has never set the world alight with his performances, he has proved a solid and always dependable option for his managers to select from.
The 36-year-old was praised in particular by Steve Clarke, who oversaw the club’s highest-ever finish in the Premier League during the 2012/13 season.
Unsurprisingly Morrison was ever-present throughout this campaign, recording five goals and seven assists from central midfield.
The Scottish manager praised his compatriot’s influence on his squad that year, noting: “He has contributed really well to the team. He scores goals, creates goals, and he gives us that little connection between the midfield and the forwards that has been instrumental in the way we have played so far this season.”
He was not a central figure in an established Premier League side for nothing, as he possessed a vast skillset that made him constantly useful.
It seems like no matter who he played under, he was impossible to drop. To maintain such high levels of professionalism and quality across a career is a glittering endorsement of his character and ability, and he will likely go down as a Baggies legend for his services.
