James Morrison hopes supporters can recreate the “special” atmospheres he’s come to expect during his 12 years at The Hawthorns as Albion embark on the season’s final straight.
The Club’s longest-serving player has two promotions under his belt with the Baggies and insists fans have played a huge part during his time in the Black Country.
‘Mozza’ was watching from the sidelines when Albion recorded a dramatic 1-0 win over Tottenham Hotspur at the tail end of last season - sparking scenes the Scotland international says will live long in the memory.
And he is keen to taste more of the same during the club’s final run-in, starting with back-to-back home matches against Ipswich Town and Swansea City.
“There have been times, either when we’ve been fighting relegation or chasing promotion, that we’ve had our backs to the wall. The fans have always helped us when we’ve been in that position and hopefully they can help us again now,” he said.
“It’s never easy when you’re one of the top teams in the league. Teams come to spoil it and in recent years that’s what we’ve done in the Premier League, being hard to beat.
“The last few games of last year were all about momentum and everyone pushing in the same direction. The atmosphere and the mood about the place was brilliant and that’s what you need if you want to go on runs.
“I remember the Tottenham home game, I was there watching, and the atmosphere was probably one of the best I’ve seen at The Hawthorns. It was special.
“That’s what we’re trying to create, to get that atmosphere going, and hopefully towards the end of the season we’re in around it and that atmosphere and momentum can push us on.”
Morrison featured as a substitute at Leeds United on Friday after returning to full fitness following an ankle problem.
And the midfielder says he’s raring to go for the Sky Bet Championship season finale.
“I’ve been waiting patiently really, everyone knows we have a big squad. Unfortunately I got injured at the wrong time,” he admitted.
“Players came in and did really well. I’ve had to keep working and wait for an opportunity. It was nice to be on the pitch but obviously the result is not what we wanted.
“I’m not the only one, other lads have had to be patient and watch from the sidelines. You have to think that if Gareth Barry can watch on and be patient then that’s the way to go about it.
“I always believe that things in football can change very quickly. When I was speaking to the manager he just said ‘be ready’. That’s what I did in training to get myself into shape to be able to play.”
