West Bromwich Albion: James Morrison will remain interim coach for the rest of the season

Relegation-threatened West Bromwich Albion have confirmed the appointment of James Morrison as coach until the end of the season.

The former Baggies and Scotland midfielder has been appointed to the caretaker position following the sacking of Eric Ramsey eight days ago.

He began his third temporary spell at the helm with a 2-1 defeat to fellow strugglers Oxford United which heightened Albion’s relegation fears with the club just one point above the bottom three.

Morrison, 39, will also have Matt Gale as part of his coaching staff after the former Peterborough, Exeter and Norwich midfielder joined the club.

The 45-year-old’s career has included spells at Tranmere and Norwich, and more recently working under Russell Martin at Southampton and Rangers.

Morrison, whose coaching team will try to prevent Albion’s relegation to the third tier for only the second time in the club’s history over the next 11 matches, said: “Matt is a top-class coach with a great personality, and I am convinced he will help us turn around what has been a very poor season so far.”

The team travels to face Sheffield United on Saturday, before hosting Southampton next Wednesday, March 11.

“After a period of poor results, it may take some time to get back to the level of performance required to win games in this division, but I remain confident that one result will help lead to another,” Morrison added. “It will not be easy and we will have to work hard to reach this level.

“I fully appreciate that it has not been easy being a supporter this season – and I won’t ask them to do anything. It’s about showing the fight and desire that is expected from a West Bromwich Albion team.”

“Our fans will respond to this as they always do, with loyal and passionate support, which raises the bar anywhere we play.

He added: “I am fully committed to helping us get over the line, and I know from my experience that when this club comes together in moments of adversity, it can achieve anything.”