The Belfry next? James Morrison quips West Brom players could push for more spa days after crucial victory
Boss James Morrison joked he hoped Albion players would not request too many spa sessions after finally bagging a first Championship win of 2026.
The resurgent Baggies dispatched Hull 3-0 to deliver a long overdue first Championship victory of the year and make it a successful end to an encouraging week in the fight against relegation.
Morrison's troops had shown signs of progress with improved performances at Sheffield United a week earlier and almost coming out on top against Southampton in midweek but for a late leveller.
Victory at the end of a draining week both physically and emotionally came after Morrison had afforded his squad a recovery spa session on Thursday afternoon in the wake of the last-gasp Saints drama. It proved to be an inspired call as players responded in training the following day before a best performance of the campaign against the Tigers.
"I hope they're not asking for it too many days!" Morrison smiled when asked by the Express & Star about the prospect of repeat bookings.
"So that was just something different, trying to get away from the training ground, trying to let them breathe a bit.
"I understand these pressures down there, so at the right times they need to breathe and be around each other."
Albion players had access to a large pool area for recovery as well as the facility's sauna, jacuzzies and steam room. Club medical and masseuse staff also lent a hand in the more unusual recovery session.
The Baggies looked much more hungry and fresh than their visitors and ran all over Hull in the comprehensive victory, despite the in-form Tigers having an extra 24 hours preparation time.
Morrison suggested the move may not be repeated as the fixture list is kinder on Albion between now and the end of the season.
The Easter weekend, with a home clash against Wrexham on Good Friday and trip to rivals Blackburn on Easter Monday, features the usual quickfire turnaround after the upcoming international break.
Then there is one remaining midweek clash of the season as Watford visit The Hawthorns on Tuesday, April 21, three days after a trip to Preston.
Morrison, whose side climbed out the relegation places with a first league win in 14 attempts, quipped players could next be eyeing up a stay at Sutton Coldfield's The Belfry Resort.
He added: "They'll (want to) go for a night, The Belfry or something this time, they've just had it done out!"
"It was the back of my mind with it being the third game in a week, so I was thinking 'can we do that output again?'
"The lads went above and beyond, really. When we were running, we looked fresh, didn't we? We looked the fresher team."
Comment Guidelines
Iconic Media encourages reader discussion on our stories. User feedback, insights and back-and-forth exchanges add a rich layer of context to reporting. Please review our Community Guidelines before commenting.