EFL Cup: Newcastle United v West Brom - Mum's cooking and family ties for boss in north east double
Albion tackle the first of a demanding north east double on Tyneside on Wednesday night - which has proven to be a logistical and personnel challenge for the club and boss James Morrison.
James Morrison is raring to see Albion make a statement in Newcastle as the boss makes a return to the north east.
The Baggies visit St James’ Park for a clash in front of supporters for the first time in more than eight years in Wednesday’s EFL Cup second round.
Morrison’s men will be backed by in excess of 2,000 travelling fans on Tyneside for the first of a quickfire north east double.
Albion set off on Tuesday afternoon and will spend until Saturday in the north east, near to Morrison’s birthplace of Darlington, with Saturday lunchtime’s Championship clash at Middlesbrough hot on the heels.
The week has been a logistical challenge in sorting accommodation and training, but Morrison is determined to see what his troops can do, while being mindful of balancing the squad due to the demanding turnaround.
“I have to get the balance right,” Morrison said. “I have to think about the game on Saturday and players needing a rest. It is a challenging week.
“We have a lot of travel so we will stay up for the duration. I think it’s the best way to prepare properly. We will train at some venues.
“We’ll also make the most of the block of four days away when it comes to the new players.”
He added: “I’m really excited for the game - go and test yourself and see where we’re at.
“I do genuinely believe we can go there and have some success in the game. It’s just whether we can stop their threats.
“I want us to go and be competitive in the game. I’ll be respecting the competition, the opposition and the travelling fans - hopefully we can put a performance on for them.
“The stadium is among the best in the league. They will probably sell out - I think last year, for a tie with Bradford, they had 51,000. It will be great to be in a passionate stadium and I think the players and fans are excited to be in that.”
The 430-mile round trip, and overnight base in between clashes, offers Morrison a rare mid-season chance to catch up with loved once amid the hustle and bustle of a hectic schedule.
“It’s a nice part (of the country) to be in,” he said.
“I’ll be going to get my mum’s cooking and stuff like that. It will be nice to see my brother, my mum and dad and auntie and uncles. That will probably be Thursday and then it’s preparing properly on Friday.
“We take a chef to every away game. He’s really good, the chef here, it’s high performance stuff and very good.”
Asked whose food he prefers, Morrison smiled: “Mum’s, definitely my mum’s!”
The head coach said of his family: “They have been supportive for all of my career.
“It’ll be nice for them to come and see me in action again. It’s been a long time!
“My family play a massive part and they are all invested in this now.
“My brother drove down on Sunday morning. He’s excited as anyone as a regular now.
“The family is the most important. That’s who you listen to. It’s nice when they text you ‘well done’ - that’s all that matters, your team-mates and your family.”
Albion are without the suspended Aune Heggebo and injured Mikey Johnston to face Matthias Jaissle’s Magpies.