'Top man and top coach' - James Morrison shares emotion on Ryan Mason's West Brom exit and moving on from 'hangover'
James Morrison admitted a sense of West Brom disappointment at Ryan Mason's sacking but insisted staff and players have a duty to recover from any lingering "hangover".
Former player Morrison, 39, is leading his second spell in interim charge while the club finalise a deal to appoint Minnesota United's Eric Ramsay as Mason's successor.
Albion head to Swansea on Sunday for an FA Cup third round tie just 11 days after a late 1-0 defeat in south Wales on New Year's Day. A subsequent loss at Leicester the night before Mason's departure made it 10 away defeats in a row with the Baggies just one shy of the all-time club record which has stood for 99 years.
First-team coach Morrison has taken training this week but he revealed the "disappointment" around the Albion camp at Mason's axing. Morrison acknowledged a "results-based business", however, but said there was still a job to focus minds ahead of the Cup tie.
"Obviously you can imagine everyone to be disappointed," Morrison said in Friday's press conference, held virtually due to heavy snow.
"We felt the team was still pushing and trying for the manager and then when you get the news, it's always sad because you want everyone to do well at this football club."
"My emotions (are) for Ryan," added the interim boss. "Obviously we had a connection, worked together for a period of time and I thought he was a top man, top coach.
"So on that front I'm disappointed, but I understand football is a results business and I look forward to representing the football club as best as we can.
"You need a bit of luck in football, sometimes you get it, sometimes you don't. Sometimes you get it through your sheer hard work and what you put into the training ground, into your matches and from day to day. I think we all know that luck wasn't on our side at some times."
Asked if the staff feel 'guilt or responsibility' following Mason's departure, Morrison replied: "Yes, 100 per cent. Simple answer is yes.
"We've been connected to this football club a long time and we want the best for the football club. We're always working every day to reach that goal and when it doesn't happen... you take it with you in football."
Morrison oversaw two fixtures at the end of last season following the decision to sack Tony Mowbray.
The Cup tie offers welcome respite from Championship struggles and a useful window for club owners Bilkul to seal the move for Mason's successor, with Ramsay set to formalise his move to The Hawthorns ahead of what would have been beginning pre-season training with United States side Minnesota, where the head coach has spent two years.
Morrison said: "I think the message is to try to continue working. We've got a duty to represent this football club of trying to get results and get us back up the league.
"So there's more focus on that and then trying to clear the lads' minds. Obviously they're still a bit hungover from what's happened and what is happening.
"So it's about trying to steer them on the right path and get them in the right frame of mind to perform when called upon."
