West Bromwich Albion head coach James Morrison has issued a clear directive to his squad: block out the noise. Amidst reports of a potential points deduction for an alleged breach of the EFL's financial rules, Morrison is determined to keep his team's focus locked on the pitch.
The Championship club faces a charge over exceeding Profit and Sustainability loss limits, a situation that could dramatically alter the relegation battle. With just four games remaining and Albion hovering only two points above the drop zone, the timing is critical. Any penalty would be applied this season, making every match a high-stakes affair.
Morrison's response has been unequivocal. He has banned all talk of the sanction within the squad, emphasizing a mindset of controlling only what they can control. "It was a little knock, but that's all it is," he told BBC Radio WM, framing it as a test of the team's resilience. "Our job is the football side."
This stance highlights the immense mental challenge in a relegation scrap, where off-field pressure can be as demanding as the opposition on it. Morrison, in charge until season's end, insists the external story won't become an internal distraction. His target for the final games remains unchanged, starting with this weekend's crucial fixture.
For the players and fans, it's a reminder that the most important battles are often won between the ears. As the season reaches its climax, Albion's fate will be decided by their performance in those 90-minute windows, not in the boardroom.
