Toby Collyer has revealed that West Bromwich Albion head coach James Morrison signalled his desire to sign him as far back as March, long before the summer transfer window gave either party the chance to make it happen.

The 22-year-old midfielder joined the Baggies on a loan spell last season, only for injury to cut his time at the Hawthorns short. He was subsequently sent to Hull City in January, and it was during a return visit to The Hawthorns with the Tigers that Morrison made his intentions clear.

"After the game, he said if I get the job then I'll look to bring you back," Collyer told BBC WM Sport. The fact that Morrison followed through on those words when the window did open underlines just how firm a priority the signing was for the Championship club's head coach.

A manager who gets the best out of him

Collyer has been forthright in his praise for Morrison's man-management, describing the former Albion midfielder as having a "great personality" that has helped him develop not only as a footballer but as a person. That kind of relationship between a young player and his manager is rarely something that can be manufactured at short notice, and the early conversations between the two men appear to have laid solid groundwork for the season ahead.

The midfielder also spoke about the influence Morrison's style has on the wider squad, suggesting the head coach is able to draw on and share individual experiences in a way that resonates with the group. For a West Brom side navigating a demanding Championship campaign, that collective buy-in could prove valuable.

Manchester United background brought its own education

Before his first loan spell with Albion, Collyer came through the youth ranks at Manchester United, and he believes that environment, which carried intense scrutiny and expectation, gave him a mental resilience that now serves him well in the second tier.

"When I was there a couple of years ago we weren't in the best place in terms of results and that adds to the pressure, but I think that makes you better," he said. He added that, should situations become difficult at Albion, he has the lived experience to help the dressing room find a way through: "I've been in situations like that before where I can understand what to do to try and get the lads out of it."

It is a notably mature outlook from a player who is still only 22, and one that suggests Morrison sees Collyer as more than just squad depth. Having watched him up close during that March fixture, the head coach evidently felt he already knew what he was getting.

What it means for West Brom

The fact that Morrison was already plotting personnel moves so early in his tenure at the club reflects both the ambition of his approach and the clarity of his footballing vision. Collyer fits a profile of energetic, technically capable central midfielders who can press and carry the ball, qualities that are essential if Albion are to compete consistently at Championship level.

The former England Under-20 international's injury-interrupted first stint means there is still plenty of potential left untapped from a West Brom perspective. Morrison, it seems, was convinced well before the rest of the football world had the chance to see it for themselves.

Frequently asked

Who is Toby Collyer and why did he join West Brom?
Toby Collyer is a 22-year-old central midfielder who initially joined West Brom on loan before his time was cut short by injury. He was subsequently loaned to Hull City, but head coach James Morrison moved to sign him again in the summer after telling him of his intentions as early as March.
When did James Morrison first speak to Collyer about returning to West Brom?
According to Collyer, Morrison spoke to him after a match in March, telling him that if he got the job he would look to bring him back to the Hawthorns.
What clubs did Toby Collyer play for before joining West Brom?
Collyer came through the youth academy at Manchester United before joining West Brom on his first loan spell. He was also loaned to Hull City during the January window before returning to the Hawthorns as a summer signing.