James Morrison reveals Shilen Patel gesture at full-time after crucial West Brom victory - and answers future question

Florida-based businessman Patel has been a regular at The Hawthorns and on the road to watch the club he took over more than two years ago and was present in the Black Country for a crucial clash against the Hornets.

The resurgence under Morrison continued with a 3-0 win to make it nine matches unbeaten - and Patel marked the achievement by addressing the staff and players at full-time.

Morrison, though, remained coy when pressed for what Patel’s message was. The club continue to await the outcome of an independent commission hearing regarding an EFL charge of financial breach.

“Yes, he did,” Morrison said when asked if the chairman enjoyed it.

“He came down to the dressing room after and said a few things and it was nice. That's good to hear.

“What goes on in the dressing room stays in the dressing room.”

Patel watched the fixture from the directors’ box with executive director Mark Miles and non-executive director Jason Roberts.

Albion moved eight points clear of the relegation places with just two games remaining.

Mathematically survival is secured but the achievement cannot yet be toasted due to the outcome of the hearing.

Calls for Morrison to be appointed permanent Albion head coach beyond the summer continue to grow as he maintains the stunning run.

The former Scotland international has maintained talk of his future can wait until a final ball is kicked but he gave a further hint of his aspiration with a comment when quizzed on his position.

“I think it's a conversation at the end of the season,” Morrison said on the subject. “I always put this club first and what's best for the football club.

“It's a massive football club and in this division it has high expectation. It comes with a lot of things. It wasn’t a long time we were in the Premier League.

“It's a big job to try and get them back into the Premier League, where we belong.”

Asked if he could be the man to do that, Morrison replied: “Well, if I'm given the chance, who knows?”