'Choice to make' - New West Brom 2026/27 captain to be decided

The head coach told the Express & Star after last Friday’s 4-1 friendly win over Bromley in Portugal that he still had a decision to make prior to the season starting in the EFL Cup at Rotherham on August 8.

Former captain Jed Wallace was released this summer and subsequently joined Championship rivals Bristol City.

Morrison turned down the suggestion there was much to read into former vice-captain Alex Mowatt wearing the armband in the victory over Bromley in the Algarve.

Albion correspondent Lewis Cox has a look at three leading contenders he reckons could take on the role for the new campaign.

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Alex Mowatt

Surely the leading contender and the obvious pick as things stand?

Experienced midfielder Mowatt is now the club’s longest-serving player, jointly with central midfield colleague Jayson Molumby.

The 31-year-old was vice-captain last season after Kyle Bartley’s departure and has long been one of the senior leadership players in the squad.

Mowatt commands an authority over the group that has grown during his time in the Black Country. He is a vocal player among the squad.

The Yorkshireman had the armband against Bromley - which Morrison told us means little - but it does put him in good stead. Mowatt played well against the League One new boys.

Mowatt has just a year left on his contract at The Hawthorns but he brings some vital experience otherwise lacking in the squad.

Nat Phillips

The centre-back considerably improved - as was the case with most team-mates - during the second half of last season under Morrison.

It was an up-and-down debut campaign after the transfer from Liverpool, but Phillips was a trusted regular in a backline so badly hit by unavailability and rotation as bosses tried to fall on a reliable partnership.

Phillips, 29, is in his peak years and despite minimal action at the Reds previously he has built up some healthy experience thanks to useful spells on loan.

The powerful defender is not necessarily a baller and shouter but he is quietly influential and leads by example. He excels with his stronger attributes and has the all-round package to be a leader in Morrison’s squad.

George Campbell

A slightly more left-field shout with defender Campbell entering just his second season at The Hawthorns and in English football.

Campbell has only just turned 25 but there was so much to admire about his debut campaign at Albion despite the club’s struggle generally.

The American central defender is clearly of a strong mindset to persist while out of his position at right-back under Ryan Mason. When finally selected in the middle alongside Phillips he began to really shine.

There is an argument that a leadership position such as captain could stunt the impressive defender’s progress, but on the other hand it could be a catalyst for Campbell to continue his development.

He is not a hugely vocal presence but is another who would drive standards with the armband.