Coventry City Secure Championship Title After Historic 5-1 Win Over Portsmouth Coventry City ended a 59-year wait to claim a second-tier title after a dominant 5-1 victory over Portsmouth, securing their return to the Premier League. The Sky Blues’ triumph marked the longest gap between second-tier titles in English football history, surpassing Bristol City’s 60-year wait and West Brom’s 97-year gap. The result also saw Coventry replace Hull in the top six by goal difference, while Portsmouth’s defeat left them in a relegation battle. Leicester City’s relegation to League One followed a 2-2 draw against Hull, ending the Foxes’ historic campaign. The result marked their second consecutive relegation, ending a golden era that included the 2016 Premier League title and 2021 FA Cup success. Leicester’s journey from the top flight to the third tier was a stark contrast to their previous achievements, with the club now set to compete in the third tier for only the second time in its history. The Championship season concluded with a flurry of results, including Millwall’s 3-1 win over Stoke, which propelled them into second place. Josh Coburn, Femi Azeez, and Camiel Negheli’s goals secured the victory, while Wrexham’s 1-0 win over Oxford extended their survival hopes. West Bromwich Albion confirmed their safety with a 3-0 win over Watford, and Norwich and Swansea also secured their positions. Coventry boss Frank Lampard praised his team’s performance, calling the victory “a perfect evening” and emphasizing the importance of attacking with speed. “Very apt for these boys to do it in that style at the CBS,” he said, referencing Coventry’s home ground. Lampard’s comments highlighted the significance of the win for a club that had endured years of financial and sporting struggles.#west_bromwich_albion #coventry_city #portsmouth #leicester_city #frank_lampard
West Bromwich Albion v Millwall: A Stalemate in the Championship Battle West Bromwich Albion and Millwall ended their Championship clash in a 0-0 draw, leaving both teams with crucial points on the line as they navigate the final stretch of the season. The result maintained West Brom’s precarious position just four points clear of the relegation zone, while Millwall remained in the hunt for automatic promotion, tied on points with third-placed Middlesbrough and second-placed Ipswich. The match, played at Hawthorns, highlighted the tense atmosphere and the stakes for both sides, with neither team able to break the deadlock despite moments of dominance. The game began with Millwall showing intent, as their attacking play pressed West Brom’s defense. Early chances came from Camiel Neghli, whose fluid movement led to a cross that Zak Sturge failed to capitalize on. West Brom, meanwhile, struggled to find rhythm, with Danny Imray’s low cross and Daryl Dike’s flicked cross both cleared by Millwall’s defenders. The first half saw Millwall’s efforts to break the deadlock, including a missed opportunity by Josh Coburn, who volleyed wide from six yards after a header seemed inevitable. West Brom’s attempts to respond were met with solid defending, as Jake Cooper slid in to block Imray’s cross and Anthony Patterson made crucial saves to deny Mihailo Ivanovic’s 25-yard curler. The visitors’ pressure continued, with Imray’s long throws and Dike’s headers failing to trouble Patterson. By halftime, the score remained goalless, with both teams trading chances but failing to convert. The second half saw Millwall regain momentum, with Tristan Crama’s cross leading to a near miss as Camiel Neghli’s looping volley was saved by Max O’Leary.#millwall #west_bromwich_albion #hawthorns #jason_roberts #tristan_crama
West Bromwich Albion: James Morrison Welcomes Goalkeeper Dilemma West Bromwich Albion interim manager James Morrison has expressed satisfaction with the competitive selection dilemma facing the team ahead of their Good Friday match against Wrexham. The decision to choose between goalkeeper Max O’Leary and Josh Griffiths for the starting role has been described as a positive challenge, with Morrison emphasizing the importance of maintaining intensity and competition within the squad. O’Leary, who limped off during West Brom’s 3-0 victory over Hull City on 14 March, is set to return to full fitness. His absence was addressed by Griffiths, who came on as a substitute and played the full 90 minutes in a subsequent 2-0 win against Bristol City on 21 March. Griffiths also kept a clean sheet in that match, a performance that has bolstered his case for the starting role. Morrison confirmed that he has already made his decision on the starting goalkeeper, stating that both players are “important” and that the competition between them is beneficial for the team’s dynamics. “I’ve made my decision on who starts,” Morrison told BBC Radio WM. “It’s good for them to compete. They are both important. Josh came in and was ready. Max did well leading up to the games he missed. It’s a good [headache] to have.” The manager also highlighted the return of other key players to training, including defender Chris Mepham and attacking midfielder Tammer Bany. Mepham’s return has been welcomed as a significant boost, while Bany’s inclusion has added depth to the squad. Morrison noted that having multiple players back in training is a “big plus” for the group, reinforcing the team’s positive momentum. Morrison emphasized his philosophy of ensuring players are “fighting for the spot” and maintaining pressure on those who start.#james_morrison #west_bromwich_albion #max_oleary #josh_griffiths #chris_mepham
West Bromwich Albion vs Wrexham Match Preview and Details The EFL Championship resumed its 40th matchweek following the March international break, with West Bromwich Albion hosting Wrexham at The Hawthorns. The fixture marks a significant encounter between two teams with starkly different positions in the league table. West Brom, currently near the relegation zone, faces Wrexham, which sits in the promotion playoff positions. The match is expected to be a test of resilience and tactical adaptability, given the gap in form between the two clubs. The teams’ recent performances highlight the disparity in their fortunes. In the previous matchweek, West Brom secured a crucial away victory against Bristol City, with George Campbell scoring the decisive goal. Meanwhile, Wrexham demonstrated their fighting spirit by overturning a deficit against Sheffield United. The Welsh side trailed 1-0 in the 49th minute but staged a remarkable comeback, with Josh Windass and Sam Smith netting the goals that secured the 2-1 win. This resilience has positioned Wrexham as a formidable contender for promotion, while West Brom’s struggles to avoid the drop remain a concern. The rivalry between West Brom and Wrexham has historical significance, with their previous meeting on August 16, 2025, at the STōK Cae Ras serving as a key reference point. In that matchweek 2 encounter, West Brom emerged victorious with a 3-2 scoreline, thanks to two goals from Isaac Price and one from Jed Wallace. The current match will be their first meeting of the season, adding an extra layer of intrigue. For the upcoming fixture, both teams have confirmed their lineups.#wrexham #stk_cae_ras #the_hawthorns #west_bromwich_albion #european_football_league
Southampton Set for Crucial Clash Against West Brom as Key Players Return Southampton are preparing for their second match in a busy week as they travel to West Bromwich Albion’s Hawthorns stadium for a Championship encounter. This game marks their first visit to the venue since the 2024 play-offs, adding extra significance to the fixture. The Saints, managed by Tonda Eckert, are looking to capitalize on their recent form and maintain their push for a playoff spot, while West Brom, currently in dire need of points, aim to escape the relegation zone. West Brom, having gone through three managers this season, face a critical challenge as they seek to climb out of the relegation threat. The match could prove pivotal for both teams, with Southampton potentially edging closer to the play-off positions following Wrexham’s unexpected loss to Hull City. For the Saints, the game represents an opportunity to strengthen their position in the table, especially with the potential to close the gap on the playoff spots. The predicted lineup for Southampton reflects the manager’s strategic choices and the form of key players. Goalkeeper Daniel Peretz, signed in January, has been a standout performer despite occasional distribution errors, becoming a vital asset for Eckert’s playoff campaign. On the right flank, James Bree has returned to form after his loan spell at Charlton, offering stability and energy. The center-back pairing of Taylor Harwood-Bellis and Jack Stephens has been a key strength, with Harwood-Bellis leading the defense after captaining the team to a surprise 1-0 victory over Fulham. Stephens, returning from a rest, is expected to anchor the defense alongside Harwood-Bellis, forming a formidable partnership.#southampton #west_bromwich_albion #tonda_eckert #daniel_peretz #james_bree
Eckert: Players in Good Form Ahead of West Brom Clash Saints' head coach Tonda Eckert confirmed his squad is in good shape ahead of the club's midweek fixture against West Bromwich Albion. The team will face the Baggies at The Hawthorns on Wednesday night following a return to league action after their FA Cup victory over Fulham on Sunday. Eckert highlighted that key players Jack Stephens and Shea Charles are set to rejoin the squad, aligning with his previous statements about their availability. The Saints will embark on a challenging doubleheader in the Midlands, starting with the trip to West Brom and followed by a clash against league leaders Coventry City on Saturday. Eckert emphasized that the team remains focused on maintaining momentum from their recent cup success. However, the squad will be without long-term absentee Mads Roerslev, who is sidelined for the rest of the season after undergoing surgery on an Achilles injury. Welington and Jay Robinson are also unlikely to return for the match at The Hawthorns. Eckert also addressed the disciplinary situation, noting that both Flynn Downes and James Bree are one yellow card away from a two-game suspension due to their caution counts. The duo currently sits on nine cautions for the season, putting them in a precarious position heading into the midweek game. The team will return to St Mary's for a home fixture against Norwich City on Wednesday, 18th March, with kick-off scheduled for 7:45pm GMT. Ticket details for the match were provided, with adult tickets starting at £25 and junior tickets at £15. All previously purchased tickets for the original date remain valid for the rescheduled game.#the_hawthorns #west_bromwich_albion #tonda_eckert #st_mary_s #coventry_city
West Bromwich Albion manager James Morrison has urged his relegation-threatened squad to adopt a mindset of confidence, insisting they must believe they can win every game remaining in the Championship season. The former Albion midfielder, who took temporary charge of the club on 24 February, emphasized the importance of maintaining a positive approach after securing their first point under his management in a 1-1 draw against Sheffield United. The result lifted West Brom out of the relegation zone as they prepare to host in-form Southampton in a crucial match. Morrison, who has been given the permanent role until the end of the season, praised the team's response to his initial challenges, calling the draw a "positive result" that sets the tone for the rest of the campaign. "We’ve got to back it up," he said, highlighting the need for strong home performances to keep the team in contention. Morrison’s tenure has not been without setbacks. His first game in charge ended in a disappointing 2-1 defeat to Oxford United, a loss he described as "unacceptable." He also criticized his players’ mental resilience after that match, noting their "mentally fragile" state. However, he claimed the team has since regrouped, with improved training sessions and a renewed focus on matchday preparation. "It’s not about the training, it’s about what we do on a matchday," he said, stressing the importance of capitalizing on opportunities. The upcoming clash against Southampton presents a significant test. The Saints are on a 10-game unbeaten run across all competitions and have already secured a play-off spot, sitting four points above West Brom. Morrison acknowledged Southampton’s confidence but challenged his players to believe they can overcome any opponent.#west_bromwich_albion #james_morrison #sheffield_united #southampton #the_hawthorns
