Morrison: Focus on Improvement, Not Play-Off Hype

West Bromwich Albion head coach James Morrison is urging his team to concentrate on improving from last season rather than getting carried away with play-off aspirations. Given the club's past struggles and current financial limitations, Morrison aims to manage player expectations by focusing on consistent hard work and competitive play. He feels ready for the new season, with his main priority being to see a tangible uptick in performance compared to the 2025-26 campaign.

The Championship has expanded its play-off system this season, introducing two extra spots which will now allow teams finishing seventh and eighth to contend for Premier League promotion. Morrison welcomes this change, seeing it as an opportunity for more teams to compete until the season's end and adding an element of excitement by making the competition less predictable. Albion, who last participated in the play-offs in 2024, finished 21st, just four points above the relegation zone last term. Their Championship season commences at Norwich City on Saturday.