James Morrison on why he is stepping away from social media during West Brom rebuild

James Morrison has vowed to block out the external noise as he looks to kick on again with Albion next season.

The 40-year-old is preparing for his first season in management after helping the Baggies escape relegation from the Championship while in interim charge.

Morrison revealed he decided to come off social media after taking the reins in February, to avoid any unnecessary negativity as he tried to save the club from the drop.

And it is a policy he plans to keep now he has the job on a permanent basis.

"I made an effort at the start of this role to come off social media and block any outside noise,” explained Morrison.

"I know social media plays a big part and I didn't want anything to affect me in a negative way - albeit it's been positive.

"I'll probably remain away from social media.”

Morrison is under no illusions over the task at hand as the Baggies look to recover from one of their worst seasons in recent history.

Their final position of 21st was their lowest since 2000 and Morrison acknowledges plenty of hard work lies ahead if they are to put the team on a stronger footing.

Albion are hopeful of making early moves in the transfer market when the window opens on Monday, with the work done on reducing losses since Bilkul’s 2024 takeover now giving them greater financial wriggle room.

Clarity is also expected soon the make-up of Morrison’s backroom team, with the Baggies hopeful of keeping Matt Gill on board as assistant boss. The latter impressed after teaming up with Morrison in early March.

"We know what we need to do to avoid being in the same situation again,” said Morrison. “It's not nice. A lot of hard work has to go into it.”