Assuming we stop up

[baggiematt]

How would you play next season? For me it’s:

- Morrison and his team a new contract
- Attempt to sign Imray (as unlikely as it might be)
- Sign OLeary
- Give Diakhite a new contract as he has 1 year left
- Keep Grant on reduced terms, if not he can go
- Keep one of Dike or Maja on reduced terms
- Sell Mepham
- Loan the kids Whitwell, Sule and Bostock
- Buy a new striker, midfielder, winger and backup left back

I think then we will have a good season next season.

[baggieal]

How would you play next season? For me it’s:

- Morrison and his team a new contract
- Attempt to sign Imray (as unlikely as it might be)
- Sign OLeary
- Give Diakhite a new contract as he has 1 year left
- Keep Grant on reduced terms, if not he can go
- Keep one of Dike or Maja on reduced terms
- Sell Mepham
- Loan the kids Whitwell, Sule and Bostock
- Buy a new striker, midfielder, winger and backup left back

I think then we will have a good season next season.

Morrison is doing a great job but for me the wise move is to wait until the end of the season and see other applicants. Any blue chip business would do the same even if he remains a favourite.

I agree with Diakite and Mepham. I would off load Dike and Wallace - too much money and too injury prone. I would keep Maja but Grant for me has no end product so get rid unless the terms are decent.

I certainly would not send Williams, Sule or Bostock on loan as they are excellent back ups and like Fellows if they get a run they may keep their place if they shine.

Only negative last night was that useless Viler who kept losing the ball. If anybody says he?s better than Bostock they are deluded. Why bring him on instead of Bostock when he?s fkin off back to Seal Park in three games. Poor decision by Morrison.

[Omegstrat6]

How would you play next season? For me it’s:

- Morrison and his team a new contract
- Attempt to sign Imray (as unlikely as it might be)
- Sign OLeary
- Give Diakhite a new contract as he has 1 year left
- Keep Grant on reduced terms, if not he can go
- Keep one of Dike or Maja on reduced terms
- Sell Mepham
- Loan the kids Whitwell, Sule and Bostock
- Buy a new striker, midfielder, winger and backup left back

I think then we will have a good season next season.

I personally agree with much of that-which shows just how much improvement there has been under Morrison in these recent games!

The issue, of course, will continue to be finances which, though improved, will continue to restrict what the club can do in terms of recruitment. With a few players out contract and off the books at the end of this season, this would have helped the situation.

The issue when this season concludes will be whether we decide to keep any of our out of contract players or try and buy cheaper and better replacements and the answer to that has changed a lot I think over the course of Morrison's tenure which has seen big improvements in the likes of Diakite, Maja, Dike and Imray.

Diakite has (rightly) already been given a one year extension but I'd agree that he has earnt more. Wallace has proven his abilities and may be a great older head to have around but he is never going to play 90 mins again now at this level and it makes makes no financial sense to keep him on. We need a goalkeeper and O'Leary seems decent after those early fumbles so I would offer him something to retain him next season. Grant has generally shown desire and a great work rate but has very little end product. He may be a useful squad member but unless he is prepared to accept a reduction in wages, I would let go.

The big questions for me are over Maja and Dike. Both have been far from impressive over much of this season (though Dike hasn't had much game time to be fair) but Morrison has always seemed to believe that they would come good and we have seen recently what they can both be capable of. Certainly we do far better with 2 up front so the question is do we keep either of them? It would be foolish not to offer them reduced terms because both would be something of a gamble but I can just imagine either being snapped up by other Championship clubs and then doing well for them if we don't get in first.

As for our youngsters, going out on loan would certainly help their development and give them more game time than they would get remaining as part of the first team squad. That said, I agree with Al and would like to see Ollie Bostock retained and given more opportunities as I believe he is further along in his development than Sule, for example, and he certainly has potential.

Then there is Morrison who has rejuvenated the players and brought both a great sense of togetherness and a more attacking intent to the team despite the lack of options available to him. Some will argue that he isn't experienced enough and that we need an experienced Championship manager for next season but whilst I understand that thinking to a degree, the counter argument is whether anyone can think of such an experienced manager achieving more than Morrison has done with the players available? Moreover, if the club did go down this route, firstly, which experienced managers would be available and, secondly, how much would they cost us.

The second option would be for the club to appoint a "hungry young manager" type but they tried this before and failed miserably. This option, though much cheaper, was always going to have an element of risk.

For me, Morrison has proven what he can do and has earnt his chance-if he wants it- to continue in the role next season. Appointing him avoids the risks involved in going for another young manager whilst, on the other hand, there is nothing to say that a more experienced Championship manager, on a far higher salary, could do much better.

To your other points, I wouldnt be adverse to selling Mepham and getting his wages off the books and would certainly sign Imray if we could.

Recruitment wise (other than an RB if we can't persuade Palace on Imray,) I think a creative midfielder remains our priority. Bostock may well be able to take up the winger role and unless we already have our sights on a proven goal scorer then a rejuvenated Maja or Dike may have to continue to fulfil the strike partnership role. I do agree about a decent back up for LB though.

[baggieal]

I personally agree with much of that-which shows just how much improvement there has been under Morrison in these recent games!

The issue, of course, will continue to be finances which, though improved, will continue to restrict what the club can do in terms of recruitment. With a few players out contract and off the books at the end of this season, this would have helped the situation.

The issue when this season concludes will be whether we decide to keep any of our out of contract players or try and buy cheaper and better replacements and the answer to that has changed a lot I think over the course of Morrison's tenure which has seen big improvements in the likes of Diakite, Maja, Dike and Imray.

Diakite has (rightly) already been given a one year extension but I'd agree that he has earnt more. Wallace has proven his abilities and may be a great older head to have around but he is never going to play 90 mins again now at this level and it makes makes no financial sense to keep him on. We need a goalkeeper and O'Leary seems decent after those early fumbles so I would offer him something to retain him next season. Grant has generally shown desire and a great work rate but has very little end product. He may be a useful squad member but unless he is prepared to accept a reduction in wages, I would let go.

The big questions for me are over Maja and Dike. Both have been far from impressive over much of this season (though Dike hasn't had much game time to be fair) but Morrison has always seemed to believe that they would come good and we have seen recently what they can both be capable of. Certainly we do far better with 2 up front so the question is do we keep either of them? It would be foolish not to offer them reduced terms because both would be something of a gamble but I can just imagine either being snapped up by other Championship clubs and then doing well for them if we don't get in first.

As for our youngsters, going out on loan would certainly help their development and give them more game time than they would get remaining as part of the first team squad. That said, I agree with Al and would like to see Ollie Bostock retained and given more opportunities as I believe he is further along in his development than Sule, for example, and he certainly has potential.

Then there is Morrison who has rejuvenated the players and brought both a great sense of togetherness and a more attacking intent to the team despite the lack of options available to him. Some will argue that he isn't experienced enough and that we need an experienced Championship manager for next season but whilst I understand that thinking to a degree, the counter argument is whether anyone can think of such an experienced manager achieving more than Morrison has done with the players available? Moreover, if the club did go down this route, firstly, which experienced managers would be available and, secondly, how much would they cost us.

The second option would be for the club to appoint a "hungry young manager" type but they tried this before and failed miserably. This option, though much cheaper, was always going to have an element of risk.

For me, Morrison has proven what he can do and has earnt his chance-if he wants it- to continue in the role next season. Appointing him avoids the risks involved in going for another young manager whilst, on the other hand, there is nothing to say that a more experienced Championship manager, on a far higher salary, could do much better.

To your other points, I wouldnt be adverse to selling Mepham and getting his wages off the books and would certainly sign Imray if we could.

Recruitment wise (other than an RB if we can't persuade Palace on Imray,) I think a creative midfielder remains our priority. Bostock may well be able to take up the winger role and unless we already have our sights on a proven goal scorer then a rejuvenated Maja or Dike may have to continue to fulfil the strike partnership role. I do agree about a decent back up for LB though.

Rather wait until the season end for the appointment of a manager to see who else could be interested. Remember the Big Dave bounce and he turned out clueless and his record overall is very poor. Port Vale supporters wanted him gone.

Maja was excellent last night and when Maja and Dike are firing they are proper forwards unlike Heggebo who is poor!

Do not understand why that useless Villa kid came on instead of Bostock. He showed again he was crap!

[WBA123]

How would you play next season? For me it’s:

- Morrison and his team a new contract
- Attempt to sign Imray (as unlikely as it might be)
- Sign OLeary
- Give Diakhite a new contract as he has 1 year left
- Keep Grant on reduced terms, if not he can go
- Keep one of Dike or Maja on reduced terms
- Sell Mepham
- Loan the kids Whitwell, Sule and Bostock
- Buy a new striker, midfielder, winger and backup left back

I think then we will have a good season next season.

I agree with most. But I wouldn't be too bothered if Grant went. I would keep both Dike and Maja on reduced terms if they accepted it. If we play 2 up front, we probably need 4 strikers next season in the squad - so we'd another striker even if they both stayed for me. I would offer Wallace a new deal as a back up squad player on reduced terms. Goes without saying we need a new right back (Imray hopefully) and a back up left back. We need at least one winger and maybe 2, will also have Mikey Johnson back next season who I think could play well on the wing. Would loan those youngsters out for experience until January and see how they are doing.

If we get recruitment right, I think too we could have a decent season next year with Morrison at the helm. I wouldn't want to take the risk on appointing anyone else, the board have shown they struggle to appoint the right people. I really hope they've learned a lot of lessons from this season.

[WBA123]

Rather wait until the season end for the appointment of a manager to see who else could be interested. Remember the Big Dave bounce and he turned out clueless and his record overall is very poor. Port Vale supporters wanted him gone.

Maja was excellent last night and when Maja and Dike are firing they are proper forwards unlike Heggebo who is poor!

Do not understand why that useless Villa kid came on instead of Bostock. He showed again he was crap!

Who else could we get who you think could do better than Morrison? I'm struggling to think of anyone.

And the fact he's kept us up means he deserves a shot at it.

[stargazer_1962]

My only concern at this point is knowing the outcome from the EFL and hence breathing a sigh of relief once we are safe.

[baggieal]

Who else could we get who you think could do better than Morrison? I'm struggling to think of anyone.

And the fact he's kept us up means he deserves a shot at it.

Morrison has done a great job but like I said - why rush into it until the end of the season until a full review has taken place. Shubola has done a fantastic job at Lincoln and like Carlos learnt his trade at Leeds. Not saying him but clearly he?s done a brilliant job so we need to avoid another Big Dave disaster after his initial bounce.

I would not keep Wallace on 10K a week - he was on the decline two years ago - his legs have gone and he?s far too injury prone. Good Pro maybe but Morrison and Brunt at the club are legends and sadly Wallace is not! I would keep Maja on reduced terms and when Dike is fit he?s better than Heggebo but you just know he will break down again. I would develop Sule because unlike Heggebo he?s got coordination in his feet!

[baggiematt]

Morrison has done a great job but like I said - why rush into it until the end of the season until a full review has taken place. Shubola has done a fantastic job at Lincoln and like Carlos learnt his trade at Leeds. Not saying him but clearly he?s done a brilliant job so we need to avoid another Big Dave disaster after his initial bounce.

I would not keep Wallace on 10K a week - he was on the decline two years ago - his legs have gone and he?s far too injury prone. Good Pro maybe but Morrison and Brunt at the club are legends and sadly Wallace is not! I would keep Maja on reduced terms and when Dike is fit he?s better than Heggebo but you just know he will break down again. I would develop Sule because unlike Heggebo he?s got coordination in his feet!

He cant not get the chance now. I doubt the players would take to a new manager if he didnt get it considering how good we have been under Morrison.

I know it’s different being an interim to a long term appointment. And I know big Dave failed. But that doesnt mean all appointments fail. By that logic there would never be progression for coaches.

Morrison has been a revelation for us. He deserves the job over others and I think it’s daft to go any other direction.

[baggieal]

He cant not get the chance now. I doubt the players would take to a new manager if he didnt get it considering how good we have been under Morrison.

I know it’s different being an interim to a long term appointment. And I know big Dave failed. But that doesnt mean all appointments fail. By that logic there would never be progression for coaches.

Morrison has been a revelation for us. He deserves the job over others and I think it’s daft to go any other direction.

Not said I wouldn?t give him the job Matt but there?s two games to go and a review needs to be made by the Board. I doubt whether a huge company like M & S would hand the job to an interim just because things were going well. In fact with many companies who answer to shareholders a process needs to be in place.

Don?t mention player power as this has been an issue at West Brom for years. For me if a player does not want to play for a certain manager they can do one! Players are professionals or should be and not get involved in the politics or even voice their little opinions who should get the job. I bet Wallace for example would love Morrison to get the job and here lies the problem.

So in summary Morrison is doing a great job but let?s wait until the end of the season and follow a professional process.

[baggiematt]

Not said I wouldn?t give him the job Matt but there?s two games to go and a review needs to be made by the Board. I doubt whether a huge company like M & S would hand the job to an interim just because things were going well. In fact with many companies who answer to shareholders a process needs to be in place.

Don?t mention player power as this has been an issue at West Brom for years. For me if a player does not want to play for a certain manager they can do one! Players are professionals or should be and not get involved in the politics or even voice their little opinions who should get the job. I bet Wallace for example would love Morrison to get the job and here lies the problem.

So in summary Morrison is doing a great job but let?s wait until the end of the season and follow a professional process.

Players have the power now whether you like it or not. They cant just do one as they have a contract and other sides only tend to buy players that are playing well. Look at the situation Chelsea are in. They havent scored in 5 because they dont believe in the manager, like our lads didnt believe in Ramsey.

Managing a football club is as close in comparison to managing a blue chip company as it is to managing a market stall.

The bloke just needs to be offered the job. It couldnt be more obvious that he is a fantastic fit, a motivator and his tactics are working well. He is also one of our own and wont put the feelers out to other clubs if/when it is going well. There is no need to overthink it, if it works it works.

It’s interesting you mention Wallace, he is one of several players that has played well under Morrison. Im sure many would be thrilled and optimistic if it continues into next season. I doubt he gets a new contract though.

[baggieal]

Players have the power now whether you like it or not. They cant just do one as they have a contract and other sides only tend to buy players that are playing well. Look at the situation Chelsea are in. They havent scored in 5 because they dont believe in the manager, like our lads didnt believe in Ramsey.

Managing a football club is as close in comparison to managing a blue chip company as it is to managing a market stall.

The bloke just needs to be offered the job. It couldnt be more obvious that he is a fantastic fit, a motivator and his tactics are working well. He is also one of our own and wont put the feelers out to other clubs if/when it is going well. There is no need to overthink it, if it works it works.

It’s interesting you mention Wallace, he is one of several players that has played well under Morrison. Im sure many would be thrilled and optimistic if it continues into next season. I doubt he gets a new contract though.

On 25K a week plus for Wallace who is in the treatment room more than the pitch ( 60 mins when on the pitch ) giving him a new contract will be poor. As 68 said a while ago he was on the decline 2 years ok!

Perhaps if Patel wants to splash the cash next year then we replace quality for quality ie Heggem, Palmer and Fellows. Almost five million on Heggebo was a waste because he?s got two left feet! Imray would be a great signing but he?s a bit young for some of our fans 😭😭

[stargazer_1962]

I think Morrison should be given the job.
Look what the WBA hierarchy chose, Mowbray, Mason and then Ramsay, they don't have a clue.
Morrison was the default and it worked.
I can't see how he can go back to his old post, he must be given the job.
Mozza said in an interview recently that he almost cried when Wallace was declared injured.
He may still have a place on reduced terms next season.

[WBA123]

Morrison has done a great job but like I said - why rush into it until the end of the season until a full review has taken place. Shubola has done a fantastic job at Lincoln and like Carlos learnt his trade at Leeds. Not saying him but clearly he?s done a brilliant job so we need to avoid another Big Dave disaster after his initial bounce.

I would not keep Wallace on 10K a week - he was on the decline two years ago - his legs have gone and he?s far too injury prone. Good Pro maybe but Morrison and Brunt at the club are legends and sadly Wallace is not! I would keep Maja on reduced terms and when Dike is fit he?s better than Heggebo but you just know he will break down again. I would develop Sule because unlike Heggebo he?s got coordination in his feet!

To be honest, I don't trust the board to make a good managerial appointment. And given the job he has done, I think that would be the most risk averse option.

I actually enjoy going to games now because I know we will be competitive and it will be entertaining with two up top. I felt competitive under Mason and Carlos, but I can't say I was really entertained. I didn't feel entertained or competitive under Ramsey.

I would keep Wallace (if we got him on a much reduced wage) for a couple of reasons. 9 subs we need for every match now, we can't just fill that bench full of kids. There are going to be games we may be narrowly winning next year where his experience off the bench could prove the difference. And secondly, from the outside looking in, he seems like a good character to have around the place. Perhaps in the future he could go into the backroom staff too, he seems clued up on the game.

[baggieal]

To be honest, I don't trust the board to make a good managerial appointment. And given the job he has done, I think that would be the most risk averse option.

I actually enjoy going to games now because I know we will be competitive and it will be entertaining with two up top. I felt competitive under Mason and Carlos, but I can't say I was really entertained. I didn't feel entertained or competitive under Ramsey.

I would keep Wallace (if we got him on a much reduced wage) for a couple of reasons. 9 subs we need for every match now, we can't just fill that bench full of kids. There are going to be games we may be narrowly winning next year where his experience off the bench could prove the difference. And secondly, from the outside looking in, he seems like a good character to have around the place. Perhaps in the future he could go into the backroom staff too, he seems clued up on the game.

Get your point but the Board with Robert?s there now too need to appoint a manager with vision to take us to the premier league. If you were Patel you would be the same. In 2023/4 - Coventry were no better than us and we finished fifth and they finished ninth. They appointed Lampard who had championship experience and also Premier experience and look what he has done. Can Morrison be the next Lampard and have the vision to recommend to the Board which players are needed? I question this!

If Morrison were to be given the chance to be the next Lampard then the overpaid, injury prone dross need to be shipped out and replaced with quality, Dike will break down again no doubt, Wallace was on the decline 2 years ago when Fellows was a different class, and our midfield lacks creativeness and quality. Look at Coventry by comparison and honestly tell me are Mowatt and Molumby as good or would get in their team?

Striker has always been an issue and Maja could be good if kept free from injury. I do not rate Heggebo despite his hard work because he?s got two left feet. Grant offers zero end product.

If I was Morrison I would try and convince Patel a play off challenge is the aim and poor players need to go and quality needs to come in. Keeping the players who should go or most of them with a couple of additions is not going to turn us into Coventry.

Sunderland got out of the division with quality pacey young players and they built on it. You could say Leeds did the same.

Coventry were smart with their sales and players coming in and fair play to them .