West Bromwich Albion’s fresh forward duo Jimmy-Jay Morgan and Barney Stewart are already turning heads in pre-season, injecting fresh energy into a squad chasing survival in the Championship.
What’s driving the buzz?
Albion’s squad have been grinding through double sessions since most of James Morrison’s side reported back in late June. The Norwegian striker Aune Heggebo, who netted 10 goals last season, has been vocal about the lift the newcomers bring. “Barney and JJ have been really good coming into the group,” Heggebo said. “They're already showing themselves and giving energy into the group. And as well on the training pitch they look hungry and want to improve.”
Morgan, 20, wasted no time putting his stamp on things by converting a penalty in Saturday’s 3-0 pre-season win over Sheffield Wednesday. The ex-Chelsea youngster had been brought down after a neat move, and the Owls couldn’t stop him from converting. Stewart, 22, arrived from Falkirk in the same transfer window and has slotted into Morrison’s attacking plans without missing a beat.
Why the early buzz matters
Heggebo reckons the double sessions-hard running, pitch work, and even boxing drills-are forging the squad’s identity early. “I feel like it's a good experience,” he said. “It's like a proper English pre-season with running and double sessions on the pitch and a little bit of boxing as well we've been doing. It's a good cultural thing.”
The Baggies, sitting 21st in the Championship with 51 points from 46 games and a recent run of L-D-W-W-D, need every edge to climb clear of the drop zone. With Daryl Dike released and Josh Maja expected to leave, Morrison has reshaped his frontline-and the early returns suggest the gamble could pay off.
What comes next for the Baggies?
Morgan and Stewart will stay in Portugal with the rest of the squad as Morrison tightens his squad before the league curtain-raiser. The new duo’s energy could be decisive as Albion aim to grind out results and steer clear of the bottom three. League standing: 21st in Championship, 51 pts, 13W-14D-19L from 46 games, recent form LDWWD.
