EFL clubs give the go-ahead to rule changes

ALBION will be allowed to offer players out of contract on June 30 a new short-term deal to enable them to finish the 2019-20 campaign at The Hawthorns.

The EFL last month came up with a number of proposals in an attempt to help sides across all three divisions with contractual issues, which have come about due to the action being suspended since March.

A source close to the EFL has said the proposals were passed by clubs at a recent meeting and they are now able to implement them. Albion have a number of senior players out of contract in the coming weeks; among them are club captain Chris Brunt, veteran Gareth Barry, goalkeeping pair Ali Al-Habsi and Jonathan Bond, January signing Lee Peltier and youngster Nathan Ferguson.

There are four main changes to contractual regulations the clubs have agreed to and are most likely to affect sides in the Championship.

The first is that clubs cannot approach players whose contracts expire on June 30 until June 24.

Clubs also have until June 23 to offer players a new contract or release them – but they will be unable to play until the 2020/21 season starts, even if they secure a new club.

Players out of contract on June 30 will be able to sign a short-term extension, which will run until the 2019/20 season is completed.

The source confirmed all changes are consistent with FIFA guidance issued in response to the pandemic. The EFL announced their intention to resume the season on June 20 on Sunday evening, three days after the Premier League season is expected to restart.

James Morrison has landed the role of West Brom Under-23s’ assistant manager after a successful spell working with the academy.

The former midfielder, who played almost 350 matches for Albion before retiring earlier this season, was invited back to try his hand in the youth set-up upon his decision to call time on his career.

Having grown into the role, the ex-Scotland international has accepted the offer of becoming assistant manager of Albion’s U23s, who have been performing impressively and churning out positive results under the watchful eye of Deon Burton after Michael Appleton’s untimely departure earlier in the season.

Morrison will also continue to work alongside fellow team-mate Boaz Myhill in the set-up.