West Bromwich Albion have remained unbeaten since the sacking of Darren Moore on March 9.

James Shan has stepped up to first-team duties to oversee caretaker control of the Baggies and has won his first two matches in charge.

Having only meant to be in the role for the short-term, the hierarchy at the Hawthorns have extended his temporary spell at the helm to at least after the Birmingham game next week.

The added fixture could give Shan one more opportunity to audition for the gig until the end of the season.

As well as results, player morale will play a big part in any decision made.

And if comments by Conor Townsend are anything to go by then he could well we looking at seeing out the season as the main man at Albion.

The 26-year-old defender has played in both of the Baggies’ matches under Shan with Kieran Gibbs out injured.

And he has revealed the players have taken to him and his training sessions.

The defender told the Express and Star: “I think it’s always tough when a manager leaves somewhere, but I think we’ve reacted pretty well.

“To get two good wins off the back of it has been good for everyone’s morale around the place.

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“We know Jimmy, he’s been around the place all year, and the young lads know him from years gone by.

“Everyone’s enjoyed it, everyone’s taken to his training and got on with it.

“Hopefully we’ve repaid him with the performances in the last couple of games.”

The Verdict

The Townsend comments will give his chances of remaining in charge for the rest of the season a shot in the arm.

If the players are happy and performing well, results will come – and that is precisely what the club want right now with a slim chance of making the top two, but a realistic one reaching the play-offs.

At this time of year, it’s about form and momentum, and continuity with Shan will breed that – as anything else now could be detrimental to their hopes of an immediate return to the Premier League.

Thoughts? Let us know!