James Morrison signs new two-year West Brom contract

James Morrison has given Albion fans a huge boost by penning a new two-year contract which includes a further one-year option in the club's favour.

The Scottish international has made 278 appearances during a nine-year spell at the Hawthorns. The midfielder's contract had been due to expire on July 1, but will now run until the summer of 2018.

Morrison admitted he considered a new challenge, but is now excited about the pushing the Baggies further up the table.

"

I was aware of the speculation and some of the stories were true," said Morrison.

"I had a good sit down and think about it - did I need a new challenge? What more could I do with the Club?

"I spoke with my family, the Chairman, Richard Garlick and they told me their vision about where we go from here and I also thought about the end of last season. I didn't like the way I went out - walking around the pitch and then out the door.

"I had worked too hard for it to finish like that. Now I hope that we can push the club on again because we all have to accept that since finishing eighth we haven't done as well as we wanted to."

[tweet id="748429629489197056"]

Head Coach Tony Pulis said: "It was inevitable that James would consider his options at the end of his contract but we're delighted that he as decided to sign back up with Albion.

"He will be keen to prove his worth this season and we are sure he has a big contribution to make."

Morrison ruptured his hamstring away at Chelsea in January and missed the rest of the season, putting the brakes on initial contract talks.

But they restarted when he returned to fitness towards the end of the campaign and featured for the under-21s.

Although he didn't play for the first team, The Hawthorns crowd made their feelings felt on the final day of the season when they sang his name during the team's lap of honour.

The Darlington-born schemer was Pulis's first choice number 10 last season and the Baggies boss has admitted that he missed Morrison's creativity during a disappointing second half of the campaign.

[taboola]

[video_expander]