James Morrison signs new two-year deal at West Bromwich Albion

James Morrison has put pen to paper on a two-year contract at West Bromwich Albion.

The midfielder, who has made 278 appearances for the club in nine years, had been in talks with the hierarchy regarding fresh terms ahead of the expiration of his previous contract.

The 30-year-old had been linked with a return to Middlesbrough, but he has revealed that he did not want to end his spell with the Baggies with a whimper after spending the second half of last season injured with a hamstring problem.

"I was aware of the speculation and some of the stories were true," Morrison told the club's official website. "I had a good sit down and think about it - did I need a new challenge? What more could I do with the club?

"I spoke with my family, the chairman Richard Garlick and they told me their vision about where we go from here and I also thought about the end of last season. I didn't like the way I went out - walking around the pitch and then out the door.

"I had worked too hard for it to finish like that. Now I hope that we can push the club on again because we all have to accept that since finishing eighth we haven't done as well as we wanted to."

Head coach Tony Pulis added: "It was inevitable that James would consider his options at the end of his contract but we're delighted that he has decided to sign back up with Albion. He will be keen to prove his worth this season and we are sure he has a big contribution to make."

Morrison was part of the team that earned promotion to the Premier League by winning the Championship in the 2007-08 season.