James Morrison's end-of-season 'get tough' message to West Brom squad

Morrison, 38, ended his caretaker stint with a 5-3 final-day success over Luton with players jetting away on breaks as Albion hierarchy continue rebuild plans.

Former midfielder Morrison, who was first-team coach under Tony Mowbray, urged the players to self-reflect after a late-season collapse saw the Baggies tumble out of play-off contention.

The coach believes Albion must be stronger in critical points during games and when things get tough.

"I think in certain big games we need to step up and be in the mix when certain opportunities get tough," Morrison said.

"Like at the end of games, in the first five minutes, at crucial times of games, to make sure we are there and ready and have that focus. That's where I stand on it."

A theme of Albion's season has been shipping costly late goals, a problem which plagued the squad despite managerial changes.

An unbeaten start to the season under Carlos Corberan was ended in the closing stages at Sheffield Wednesday and Corberan's side also shipped two points when pegged back at Oxford in October.

Similar came at Swansea under Chris Brunt's interim spell in early January and late collapses continued under Mowbray, against Hull, Norwich and Bristol City.

Asked if the dressing room felt regret, Morrison added: "That's it - the frustration of the season. You look back on games at certain times, dropping points, times we didn't turn up. It (all) adds up.

"The new man will come and will assess the season, work with the board who are really tuned in. They will have a plan and structure and work towards that.

"It was just about getting a positive result and then have the reflection that I said to them in there.

"'What can I do better?' 'What am I going to be like next season?' And then try to put it right."

There will be change in the Baggies ranks this summer and not just at head coach. Grady Diangana, John Swift and Semi Ajayi will depart at the end of their contracts and owners Bilkul are likely to listen to approaches as they continue to rebuild.