Biography
Who is James Morrison?
Early life and youth career
James Morrison Clark Morrison was born in Darlington, United Kingdom, on May 25, 1986. He attended school at Hummersknott Academy in his hometown. His development as a footballer began within the youth system at Middlesbrough Football Club. He quickly showed promise in the academy ranks.
During the 2003–04 season, he was a key part of the Middlesbrough side that secured the FA Youth Cup. This cup run included several well-known performances, particularly during the final against Aston Villa where he contributed a goal in a three to zero victory.
Playing career at Middlesbrough
His first taste of senior football arrived on January 3, 2004, when he appeared as a substitute in an FA Cup match against Notts County. A few months later, he made his Premiership debut during a game against Portsmouth. He gained European experience later that year when he played in a UEFA Cup tie against Banik Ostrava, where he scored a crucial last-minute equalizer.
Throughout his tenure at Middlesbrough, he participated in major events, including starting in the 2006 UEFA Cup Final against Sevilla. He also faced disciplinary action in 2007 during an FA Cup replay against Manchester United.
Time at West Bromwich Albion
In August 2007, he moved to West Bromwich Albion for a fee of 1.5 million pounds. His debut came in a league game against Burnley. He quickly established himself, winning the Supporters Club Goal of the Season award for his strike against Blackpool in October 2007.
Over the following years, he became a central figure for the club. He scored multiple times against Aston Villa during the 2008–09 season and netted a long-range volley against Manchester United in 2011. In 2012, he signed a new four-year deal. He earned the official supporters player of the year award for his contributions during the 2014–15 season.
International career
Although born in England, he represented that nation at several youth levels. In 2007, he was identified as eligible to play for the Scotland national team through his grandfather, George, who hailed from Largs. After receiving clearance from FIFA, he chose to play for Scotland.
He made his senior international debut in a friendly match against the Czech Republic in Prague on May 30, 2008. Over the next decade, he made 46 appearances for Scotland. His first international goal occurred during a match against Wales in 2011, and he also scored against England at Wembley Stadium in 2013.
Transition to coaching
Following his retirement, he moved into coaching. He began by working with the academy at West Bromwich Albion. By December 2020, he was promoted to the first-team coaching staff. He also joined the coaching setup for the Scotland national team in 2023, eventually taking on the role permanently.
His managerial career progressed significantly in 2025 and 2026. He served as caretaker manager multiple times before being appointed permanently as the Head Coach of West Bromwich Albion on April 30, 2026. This appointment followed a successful run where he led the club on a ten-match unbeaten streak.
Birthday and age
James Morrison was born on May 25, 1986, which makes James 40 years old today. That birthday falls under the Gemini sign. James shares the date with 56 other famous people.
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