Ending the season with a West Brom 'reality check' - James Morrison

The Baggies’ 10-game unbeaten run came to a shuddering halt against the relegated basement boys in Morrison’s first game as permanent boss.

The 2-1 Owls victory, on the day their takeover was confirmed to scenes of celebration at Hillsborough, ensured Albion finished in 21st in Championship, just one place clear of the relegation places.

“It's a good reality check, really,” Morrison admitted.

“I've been in those situations before, but we've set standards, to improve on this season.”

The biggest attendance anywhere in the Championship in the 2025/26 season of 33,750 saw Morrison’s side see out the campaign with a whimper.

Quickfire goals from set-pieces before half-time had the visitors facing an uphill challenge on a day jubilant scenes as Wednesday’s takeover from the troubled Dejphon Chansiri era was confirmed.

Albion’s Karlan Grant pulled one back with a late consolation but the visitors were deservedly beaten.

“It's just football, isn't it?” the head coach added. “It's got a funny way of telling you not to get carried away.

“There's been big outside noise this week. It's probably took away everyone's focus off this match.”

An unbeaten run of 10 matches ended a stunning run of form to stave off relegation under Morrison.

Albion had not been beaten since the former coach’s first game as caretaker boss but a first game in permanent charge after last week’s two-year contracted resulted in Wednesday’s first home league win of the season.

Substitute scorer Grant was one of five Albion players whose contracts expire this summer to feature at Hillsborough.

Big change in the squad is expected to take place this summer as Albion look to respond from a miserable finish of 21st.

“I've got hard work to start,” Morrison said of the work ahead.

“I've got to start planning, being organised, speak with the club, and just be organised and just be ready and get what I want.”