'That's not the case' - James Morrison disposes West Brom wingers theory
The theory has been that Albion will be a narrow side lacking traditional wingers under James Morrison - but the Baggies boss is keen to squash that thought process on the eve of the new Championship season.
Boss James Morrison has dispelled the myth that he wants a narrow Albion as the club focus on landing a traditional winger.
The Baggies are in the market to add some natural width to the head coach’s attacking armoury after a flurry of exciting business to refresh the squad this summer.
Morrison has been successful with a narrow Albion side lacking natural touchline-hugging wingers during his spell at the helm - but the boss insists that is more about the hand he has been dealt as club recruitment chiefs work to provide such an option.
Albion kickstart their Championship campaign with a challenging trip to a fancied Norwich side on Saturday.
“Yes - there is no big answer, just yes,” Morrison replied to the Express & Star when asked about a desire to recruit a more traditional winger.
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He added: “Every other team now, there is the beauty of loads of information handed to you.
“Teams are well-coached, so again, we have to be flexible. I want that.
“I want wingers. There’s nothing better than seeing a good winger go one-v-one and get you off your seat. We'll see what happens.”
Morrison lost former captain Jed Wallace, a chalk-on-the-boots style wide player, to injury in the spring. Wallace has since left and Mikey Johnston, another direct winger, is still coming back from a broken ankle in Morrison’s first game in February.
Isaac Price has played out on left under Morrison. The Northern Ireland international likes to drift infield where possible. Youngster Harry Whitwell has done likewise on the right side during pre-season in part due to a lack of options.
But Morrison is very keen for at least one traditional wide winger to join his ranks before the transfer deadline.
Asked if his preference is a more narrow style, with ‘inverted’ wingers and attacking more through full-backs, the head coach replied: “No, that's not the case.
“It's just a system that we've had to fall onto with personnel and we're doing and coaching it the best way we can.”
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