West Brom manager urges patience with Morgan as transfer drive intensifies
The 20-year-old attacking midfielder scored twice in a 4-1 victory over Shrewsbury Town, but the club’s leadership insists further additions are necessary to improve on last season’s Championship standing.
West Bromwich Albion manager James Morrison has highlighted the promising start of new signing Jimmy-Jay Morgan, who scored twice in a 4-1 pre-season friendly victory over Shrewsbury Town. Morrison, who secured the 20-year-old attacking midfielder from Chelsea on a four-year contract, emphasised the need for patience regarding Morgan’s development, noting his strong attacking instincts despite occasional lapses in defensive responsibility.
Morgan’s performance included two goals and assists for the club’s other two scores in the match against the League Two side on Saturday. Morrison told BBC Radio WM that while he is pleased with the young player’s natural ability to find the back of the net, the focus remains on refining his defensive duties. He noted that performances may fluctuate as the player adapts, but affirmed that his potential is evident in pre-season displays.
Concurrently, the club confirmed that attacking midfielder Tammer Bany has resumed training following a hamstring injury sustained during a pre-season friendly against Sheffield Wednesday on 11 July. Bany, who joined the club in February 2025 for a fee of around £3.3m, is currently building up his fitness. Morrison indicated that the Jordan international may feature for the under-21s or in upcoming matches as he progresses, having previously missed four months last season due to a ruptured thigh.
Morrison reiterated the club's active pursuit of further squad reinforcements to challenge for higher positions after finishing 21st in the Championship last season. He stated that the club is working behind the scenes to bring in "hungry players" to create competition for places. Morrison emphasised that the entire staff is aligned on the need to strengthen the squad, describing the ongoing efforts as extremely hard work.
Other recent additions to the squad include Conor Townsend, who was re-signed after his exit from Ipswich, goalkeeper Matt Ingram from Oxford, and Falkirk striker Barney Stewart. These moves form part of the broader strategy to address the shortcomings of the previous campaign and build a more competitive team for the upcoming Championship season.
