31/12/2008

Morton 2 - 0 Partick Thistle

Morton 2 - Masterton (17), Weatherson (65)
Partick Thistle 0 -

Att: 2812


Match report to follow...










Morton (4-4-2):

1. Stewart - 7
2. MacGregor - 7
3. Walker - 7
4. Shimmin - 7
5. Greacen (c) - 7
6. Jenkins - 6
7. Finlayson - 6
8. Masterton - 8
9. Weatherson - 8
10. Grady - 7 (12. Wake - 87 mins)
11. McAlister - 6

Subs Not Used:

14. McGuffie
15. Paartalu
16. Russell
20. McWilliams

Booked: Masterton



Stewart
MacGregor Greacen Shimmin Walker
Finlayson Jenkins Masterton McAlister
Grady Weatherson


Partick Thistle: Tuffey, Paton, John Robertson, Kinniburgh, Archibald, McKinlay (Storey 46), McKeown, Rowson, Harkins (Chaplain 61), Buchanan (Lennon 69), Robert

Subs Not Used: Donnelly, Hinchcliffe.

Booked: Kinniburgh


My man of the match: Stevie Masterton

Sponsor's man of the match:


Matchday Programme (Click to enlarge)










BBC match report

Greenock Telegraph - match report

The Scottish Sun - match report

ptfc.co.uk - match report

29/12/2008

Christmas Updates

As you will have noticed I haven't been posting many updates over Christmas. I've had a pretty busy week so I'd like to use this post to catch up on a couple of news items that have appeared recently.

22nd December

Trust chairman Stuart Duncan has started his own blog to keep fans up to date with what's going on at Cappielow as part of his new role as the fans' representative on the Greenock Morton board.

Stuart Duncan's blog 'Trust Director @ Greenock Morton'

23rd December

Morton back-up goalkeeper Colin Stewart is set to follow in the footsteps of team mates Stewart Greacen and Allan Jenkins by becoming a father for the first time. The Scotsman revealed that Stewart and his footballer wife Julie Fleeting - who plays for Arsenal Ladies - are expecting their first child in the Summer.

The Scotsman - Pregnant Fleeting vows that she'll return to game after child is born(23.12.2008)


24th December

The Greenock Telegraph's Russell Steele reveals that Morton chairman Douglas Rae is in discussions with Riverside Inverclyde regarding Cappielow and adjacent land owned by the club becoming part of RI's regeneration area.

Greenock Telegraph - Revamp bid set for Cappielow (24.12.2008)

Allan Jenkins told the Greenock Telegraph's David Christie that the Scottish First Division is not the place to play silky football if you want to be successful. Jenkins pointed to Airdrie United as an example of a team who like to play football the 'right way' but who aren't getting any advantage from it.

Greenock Telegraph - PLAYING THE BARCA WAY WON’T WORK (24.12.2008)

Airdrie United 1 - 0 Morton

Airdrie United 1 - Lynch (45 pen)
Morton 0 -

Att: 1663

Chris Smith's woefully short back pass in the 44th minute eventually resulted in Kevin Cuthbert being sent-off and conceding a penalty that meant Morton went 1-0 down right on half-time with little chance of getting back into the match.

The only changes to the team that beat Ross County the previous week were in the striking department. Peter Weatherson - back after a two match suspension - and James Grady replaced Brian Wake and Iain Russell. Colin Stewart and Alex Walker both took a place on the bench for the first time in a long time. The decision to list Stewart as the substitute goalkeeper for the first time in weeks turned out to be a very fortunate one.



Morton dominated the first half and were particularly strong in the first 20 - 25 minutes. Stevie Masterton drilled a low free-kick just wide and also hit a decent long range effort that went narrowly over the bar. The shot didn't really trouble Stephen Robertson in the Airdrie goal but I was really impressed with the way Masterton managed to generate such power in the shot with little backlift. This powerful shooting ability is obviously a key ingredient in Masterton's cannonball free-kicks. I've noticed that the power of Masterton's free-kicks is about as important as the accuracy; he doesn't just curl them into the top corner - he blasts them past the keeper.


James Grady, Allan Jenkins and Peter Weatherson missed decent chances as did Simon Lynch at the other end before Chris Smith blundered. Weatherson's skill to manufacture the chance for himself is worth further mention. He collected a bouncing ball on the left of the Airdrie box. He knocked it back inside Bobby Donnelly with the outside of his right foot and then went round Willie McLachlan and opened up for a strike at goal. The space and angle was screaming out for Peter to use the inside of his right foot to curl the ball round Robertson and into the top corner. However, for reasons only known to Peter (maybe a sign of low confidence) he elected to use power and his rising shot ended up going over the bar. We were also treated to Scott McLaughlin's usual array of woeful long range shots as he was obviously desperate to score against us again but this time his luck wasn't in, thank God.



On the balance of play Morton probably deserved to be winning but we really failed to create any guilt edged chances and we were made to pay a minute before half-time. Smith turned to pass the ball back to Cuthbert but the pass was underweighted and Lynch collected the ball and rounded the Morton goalkeeper. With the ball already past Cuthbert the former St. Johnstone man tripped Lynch with his right arm to stop the Airdrie striker from slotting home. So we were now down to 10 men and facing a penalty. Smith was immediately replaced by Colin Stewart whos first job was to pick Lynch's penalty out of the back of the net. I can understand Smith coming in for major flak here but I was also annoyed with Cuthbert and perplexed at the fans who applauded him off the park. He should have just let Lynch scored as the likliehood is that they will score the penalty but at least we would've still had 11 men to try and win against the team who are bottom of the league. Smith was treated to a Davie Irons hairdryer in the dug out for the mistake that ultimately cost us the match. However, Irons later refused to blame Smith publicly - anyone who saw Irons in the dugout will know exactly where he thinks the blame lies.



Irons remained positive and reshuffled by moving to a 3-4-2 in the second half but this was to no avail as we failed to grab an equaliser. Allan Jenkins came closest when he burst through but just when he was about to pull the trigger Stephen McKenna appeared from nowhere to get a leg and deflect the ball wide for a corner.

We also had a penalty shout turned down when Grady knocked the ball round Robertson and fell over him. It was never a penalty and by the look on Grady's face and his half hearted claims you could see he knew it as well.



By the end it was clear we were never going to score especially when Wake, on as a substitute, took all the impetus out of an attack by turning 360 degrees towards his own goal and playing the ball backwards when he had a decent chance to run at the opposition. Then when the ball was pumped forward he headered it straight up into the air and then headered it again only in the wrong direction. A couple of moments that summed up the enigma that is Brian Wake. The man who sometimes looks like he's never played football before but who seems to score everytime he plays.

I believe we would've probably got a win out of this if Smith hadn't blundered and if Cuthbert didn't get sent-off - but they did. So we have to start winning again as Airdrie have now clawed back three points and as a result of this defeat we have dropped back into second bottom place. Another couple of defeats and we could be back were we were in mid-October.

Morton (1st half: 4-4-2, 2nd half: 3-4-2):

1. Cuthbert - 6
2. MacGregor - 6
3. Smith - 4 (20. Stewart - 44 mins)
4. Shimmin - 7
5. Greacen (c) - 7
6. Jenkins - 7
7. Finlayson - 6
8. Masterton - 6
9. Weatherson - 7
10. Grady - 6 (12. Wake - 64 mins)
11. McAlister - 6

Subs Not Used:

14. McManus
15. McGuffie
16. Walker

Booked: Masterton.

Sent Off: Cuthbert (44).

1st Half

Cuthbert
MacGregor Greacen Shimmin Smith
Finlayson Jenkins Masterton McAlister
Grady Weatherson

2nd Half

Stewart
Greacen Shimmin MacGregor
Finlayson Jenkins Masterton McAlister
Grady Weatherson


Airdrie United: Robertson, McLachlan, Nixon, McDonald, Bobby Donnelly, Smyth, McDougall (Mcguire 90), McKenna, Lynch (Di Giacomo 72), McLaughlin, Cardle (Darren Smith 87)

Subs Not Used: Brown, Hollis

Booked: Di Giacomo


My man of the match: Marc Smyth (Airdrie)

Sponsor's man of the match:


Matchday Programme (Click to enlarge)










BBC match report

Greenock Telegraph - match report

Greenock Telegraph - match reaction

The Scottish Sun - match report

Tontastic Pictures

23/12/2008

Stuart Duncan Aims To Step Up Communication

Yesterday the Greenock Morton Supporters' Trust posted a story on their website confirming that Stuart Duncan (pictured, left) has been invited to join the board at Cappielow. Stuart will officially join the board on the 1st of January 2009 and his main roles will be the administration of the youth set-up and to liaison with all supporters and supporters' clubs throughout Inverclyde.

The post, written by an administrator, focuses on the need for Stuart to step up the level of communication with the fans - he is currently thinking about how he will best achieve his goals. It says:

Stuart is already thinking hard of the best way to actually do this job. He is fully aware that communication needs to be maintained and stepped up wherever possible. That of course is not going to be easy. Running a football club is like most businesses. Much of the internal workings are very mundane, so Stuart needs to find a way to provide the key information, without becoming too bogged down in the day to day detail which most of us would find of little interest. There will obviously be some confidential information which he will not be able to divulge. Stuart will communicate as much as he possibly can.
Stuart hopes to have his first public meeting in early January.

Stuart Duncan is a founding member and current Chairman of the Supporters Trust. Below he is pictured with Professor James Pickett and Jim McColl when the club was in administration in June 2001.



gmst.org.uk - Stuart Duncan invited to join the Board

gmst.org.uk - Stuart Duncan profile

22/12/2008

Morton Christmas Service

Morton club chaplain Reverend Dave Hall (pictured, left) will hold a Christmas service in Greenock Methodist Church tomorrow at 3.30pm. The service is open to all Morton players, staff and supporters.

Morton chairman Douglas Rae spoke of the service in his 'From The Chairman's Desk' column in Saturday's matchday programme: "Morton supporters who would like to attend will be made most welcome at Dave's Church on Ardgowan Street, Greenock (opposite the Sheriff Court!). I hope to have the pleasure of meeting many supporters at the service. See you there!"

The service was also mentioned in today's Greenock Telegraph. According to the snippet on the back page a couple of Morton players will be performing singing solos while others will be carrying out readings. I wonder if we actually have some religious players in the squad or if the players are duty bound to attend - and sing. Hopefully Kieran McAnespie is one of those singing as he needs to do something to earn the wages he is picking up week in, week out.


20/12/2008

Morton 2 - 1 Ross County

Morton 2 - Masterton (35), Wake (64)
Ross County 1 - Morrison (24)

Att: 1853

Morton won 2-1 in a match that will be remembered for its free-kicks.

Davie Irons made quite a few changes to the team that lost 1-0 to St. Johnstone last week. He replaced the 4-5-1 formation (which he claimed was a 4-3-3 in the Tele' during the week - it wasn't Davie) with a 4-4-2 and made three personnel changes. Brian Wake and Iain Russell came in up front while Stevie Masterton took a place in midfield; James Grady, Erik Paartalu and Ryan McGuffie were the players to make way. I was quite surprised to see Brian Wake partnered with Iain Russell up front because Russell seemed to be out of favour while Grady appears to be the catalyst for our revival, he also ploughed a lonely furrow up front himself last week and, for me, didn't deserve to be dropped [After typing this report up I learned from a post by Tonsilitis that Grady had been feeling unwell all week and wasn't fit to start the match]. It was also a bit of a shock to see McGuffie on the bench as he had started every match except one up until today. Peter Weatherson was still out as this match was the second of his two match suspension.



Morton were the first to have a go from a free-kick when set piece specialist Stevie Masterton smashed a free-kick off the cross bar and over.

Shortly afterwards - in the 24th minute to be precise - County took the lead through a free-kick of their own. From where I was standing it looked like Scott Morrison's left footed free-kick went over the wall and dipped quickly beating Kevin Cuthbert low to his left. However, in the News Of The World match report the journalist suggests that the ball went around the wall. No matter which way it went it I still though it was a nice free-kick and wouldn't lay any blame with Cuthbert as some people close to me seemed to do. However, it would be interesting to read comments from supporters who were closer to the incident, particularly anyone standing on the Sinclair Street end.



The game was quite stop start with both teams giving away a lot of free-kicks around the edge of the box. With Masterton already hitting the bar from one and Ross County scoring one there seemed to be an inevitability about Masterton scoring from the free-kick we were awarded in the 35th minute - and he did. The former Clyde man stepped up and blasted the ball through the wall and into Tony Bullock's bottom left hand corner.

I'm a big fan of Masterton and would like to see him given a regular place in the centre of midfield. He has a good range of passing, has a physical presence about him and is a big threat from set pieces.



So, after a pretty boring first half we went into the interval drawing 1-1. This was probably a fair reflection of the match as neither team had really threatened in open play.



The second half was much better and saw both sides miss a catalogue of chances.

For Morton Iain Russell passed up a great chance to make it 2-1 when he weakly headered into the side netting. Russell did well to get in front of his marker to meet an excellent near post cross but he appeared to connect with the ball using a combination of his shoulder and head and only succeeded in knocking the ball past the post. He should have scored and to fail to at least hit the target was criminal.

When we signed Russell I thought he would turn out to be a really good signing; an opinion I continued to espouse even in the face of some poor finishing, particularly in one-on-one situations, and continuous offsides. I always defended him when most of my mates criticised him and said he wasn't up to it. However, over the last few months and on the basis of his performance today I've gradually come to the conclusion that we've wasted £40,000. I think he's a decent 2nd division player but if we want to become challengers in the 1st division we need much better. Sorry Iain but please feel free to prove me wrong.



Although Wake scored what turned out to be the winner he also missed a couple of golden chances. Before the goal he popped up in the box and took an esquisite touch to control a ball played over the top. The pass looked as if it was sailing past him and out for a goal kick but he plucked it out of the air with his right foot then opened up his body to try and curl the ball round Bullock's dive however his finish was too close to the 'keeper. He was also thwarted by the base of the post when his shot went through a defender's legs and wrong-footed Bullock but it struck the upright and trickled wide.



The winner came in the 64th minute. A Masterton free-kick - what else and by who else - was headed towards goal by Stewart Greacen. The Captain's looping header was flicked on into the net by Wakey who was standing in front of Bullock on the line. Bullock was furious and ran to the linesman to protest when the goal was given. Given that he'd run to the linesman and not the referee I'd assume he considered Wake to be offside. Despite his protests the goal stood and it was 2-1 Morton.

The Highlanders had a few decent chances themselves. Cuthbert scrambled backwards to tip an inswinging cross onto the underside of bar after he'd been caught out of position, Greacen made an excellent goal line clearance and County smashed a free-kick into the wall after Greacen was adjudged to have fouled on the edge of the box. If this was a foul I think it should have been a penalty as it looked to me as if the foul took place just inside the box.

This match was pretty devoid of any quality and our performance wasn't the best but there were enough incidents in the second half to keep the match entertaining. You can't argue with three points as a Christmas present - especially when you are getting a bit of revenge over the team that hammered us 3-0 and 4-1 in successive weeks in October.

Finally, I'd just like to give an honourable mention and big thanks to the individuals who did so much to make sure this match went ahead after Cappielow was flooded the previous night.

Morton (4-4-2):

1. Cuthbert - 7
2. MacGregor - 7
3. Smith - 7
4. Shimmin - 7
5. Greacen (c) - 8
6. Jenkins - 7
7. Finlayson - 7
8. Masterton - 8 (16. Paartalu - 87 mins)
9. Wake - 7
10. Russell - 5 (15. Grady - 60 mins)
11. McAlister - 6

Subs Not Used:

12. McManus
14. McGuffie
20. McWilliams

Booked: McAlister, Shimmin


Cuthbert
MacGregor Shimmin Greacen Smith
Finlayson Jenkins Masterton McAlister
Wake Russell

Ross County: Bullock, McCulloch, Keddie, Dowie, Boyd, Watt (Gardyne 78), Hart (Higgins 69), Brittain, Craig, Scott, Morrison (Strachan 62).

Subs Not Used: Golabek, Soutar

Booked: Craig, Bullock, Keddie, Watt.


My man of the match: Stevie Masterton

Sponsor's man of the match:


Matchday Programme (Click to enlarge)










Greenock Telegraph - match report

Greenock Telegraph - match reaction

BBC - match report

News Of The World - match report

19/12/2008

AGM Report

by Russell Gordon

The 112th Annual General Meeting of Morton Football Club took place at Cappielow on Thursday evening, chaired by Douglas Rae (pictured, left) in the company of the majority of his board of directors and thirty shareholders.

One notable absentee however was director Alistair Donald who had unfortunately taken ill at Birmingham Airport in the morning.

Mr. Rae kicked off proceedings by asking for the approval of the minutes from last year's AGM and the Extraordinary General Meeting held in May, both of which were swiftly approved.

So, it was onto business and Rae gave his Chairmans' and Financial Reports for the year just past. The shareholders were treated to an account of season 2007/08 through the Chairman's eyes, some of which was misty eyed to say the least. I noted the use of the word "triumph" in his description of Morton's survival in the First Division last season. Not how many of the support would describe it. Although it was a good feeling at the time, I would prefer to use the term "relief".

As ever, he had his dig at the support regarding their treatment of Jim McInally and went onto give a glowing report of the man's personality and abilities as a football manager, using East Stirling's current run of form to underline his point. Something clearly still rankles.

Once we were finished with the playing side of things, credit was again given to Mark Farrell for his work on the Cappielow pitch, he noted how well subscribed hospitality has been, mentioned that there are teams operating at three different age groups, thanked Alistair Wylie and his volunteer helpers before Rae went onto say there'll be changes afoot with players coming and going, and his wish to challenge at the top of the table next term. What table one wonders?

Onto financial matters and the club were forced into coming to an out of court settlement with former manager Ally Maxwell, who was suing for £20,000 loss of earnings after being released by the administrators in 2001. As the risk became greater by a judge at the Court of Session's decision to allow the case to be heard it was beginning to seem apparent that Morton weren't onto the winner they had originally thought and Rae's lawyer advised him to settle out of court at a total cost of £66,000. His lawyer anticipated costs in excess of £80,000 plus should Rae lose the case.

We were then surprised to find out that the club paid Jim Mcinally and Martin Clark £40,000 on their departure, had they been sacked the figure would have been £90,000. Andy Morrison then asked that surely should they resign they would not be entitled to the pay offs, but Rae pointed out this is common practice, an unwritten rule in football. Added to a £40,000 figure for depreciation this totalled £182,000 in Losses for the financial year.

This prompted Danny Goodwin to ask how long such losses can be sustainable. Rae responded by saying that SPL football within 2-3 years would allow for this, but should this not be the case he would only consider part time football should the rest of the division also think the same way, which is not outwith the realms of possibility.

Danny then went onto take centre stage and was then informed that the Car park is owned by Morton FC and not Golden Casket and directors' shareholdings do not need to be published on the accounts by law anymore and that for the record, the elusive Mr. Donald owns a mere 200 shares. That's what everyone wanted to know anyway!

The Chairman's Financial Reports were subsequently approved.

Jim McColl then gave us an overview of the youth set-up, comprising of teams at Under-19 and Under-17 levels, competing in their respective SFL leagues and an Under-15 team competing in the Glasgow and District League. He pointed out that whist the previous management team preferred to concentrate their attentions on the first team, the current team have made youth development a priority, with Derek Collins making it his hobby horse.

New training kit has been purchased for all 3 teams at a cost of £7-8000, with various methods of funding put in place to run the youth set up. Worryingly, the boys' parents are being asked to pay £12 a month for their development for 10 month a year (coming to £6000 between 50 boys); the Sportsman's Dinner raising £10-11,000 and the fans game £2500. The club also expect to receive a £5000 grant like the one they received last year.

The Chairman then outlined his high hopes for Under-17 left-back Nathan Shepherd - who he seems to see as the jewel in the crown of the current set up. Here's hoping, although I hate seeing young boys singled out at that age.

The news the supporters have been waiting to hear was finally delivered when it was announced that Stuart Duncan will replace Jim McColl as the fans' representative on the board, whilst Alistair Donald, in his absence was put up for re-election by Crawford Rae, and seconded by Douglas.

There wasn't a great deal to be said about the new stand from Love Street going into the Wee Dublin End but Crawford informed us that he was dealing with John Mitchell, formerly of Barr construction who had worked on the projects for both of St. Mirren's stands behind their goals and everything has fallen into place nicely. The stand will be used for away supporters but don't expect to see black, white and red seats in it! Regarding the disabled ramp that the Spinnaker Morton Supporters have been fund raising for Crawford pointed out that with the current regeneration works in the area it was decided it may not be financially prudent for something that may be replaced in a year so they have been asked to keep the funds for now.

Before closing the meeting Mr. Rae was confident about Morton's involvement in the Riverside Inverclyde project after discussions with them.

17/12/2008

Welcome to Hell!

Sometimes the journalist writing the Scottish Sun's A-Z column will ask the featured player: 'Welcome to Hell! What's the worst place you've been to?' You get the usual answers like Istanbul or, as this Monday's interviewee Jackie McNamara senior (pictured, left) mentioned, Athens. However, what you don't expect someone to say - unless Sir Alex Ferguson is answering - is Cappielow. McNamara said: "It was a European Cup match in Athens. There were rockets, flares and lots of noise which made it a really intimidating place to play in. I also hated playing against Morton at Cappielow - I could never get a win there."

McNamara was with Morton from 1985-1988, as a player and assistant manager, and in spite of his answer about hating going to Cappielow as a Hibs player he does have fond memories of his time with the club, he added: "I had a fantastic time there though when I was player-assistant manager under Allan McGraw."

When asked 'Arf Arf. What's the funniest thing you've seen in football?' he said: "I was playing against Morton at Cappielow and it was a warm sunny day for a change. I was quite pally with Andy Ritchie who told me if I was too warm then just to stand behind him in the shade. A punter was giving him stick because we were having a blether during the game and he just said to him: "keep it down, some of us are trying to sleep out here.""






16/12/2008

Craig Thomson - Conclusion

By now a lot of Morton fans will have let Craig Thomson's controversial decision to disallow Chris Templeman's header against Hamilton Accies slip to the back of their mind. However, one Morton fan is still seething and has been intent on pushing the SFA for answers.

Ernie Newall, aka Mortonjag, has written to Gordon Smith on a couple of occasions. In reply to Ernie's original letter Drew Herbertson - the SFA's head of disciplinary and referee department - said: "This matter is currently being investigated by the SFA and, as such, it would be inappropriate to offer comment at this stage beyond saying the process which was gone through by the referee to disallow the goal is the focus of attention."




On the 3rd of October he sent a follow up letter to learn the result of the SFA's investigation. As with the previous letter the question was forwarded to Herbertson and he replied to say that, after interviewing the officials, the SFA were satisfied that the referee and linesman came to the correct decision but that the communication between the officials could have been better and that they will use this example as a discussion point at future Referees' Associations' monthly meetings.

So it looks like we will never really get a definitive answer as to what actually happened that day but with the SFA what else would you expect.



http://greenockmortonfc.blogspot.com/2007/11/sfa-investigation-into-craig-thomson.html

15/12/2008

St. Johnstone 1 - 0 Morton

St. Johnstone 1 - Rutkiewicz (88)
Morton 0 -

Att: 2749

St. Johnstone nicked all three points when Kevin Rutkiewicz headed home a corner two minutes from full-time.

Full match report to follow...














Morton (4-5-1):

1. Cuthbert - 6
2. MacGregor - 5
3. Smith - 7
4. Shimmin - 7
5. Greacen (c) - 8
6. Jenkins - 6
7. McGuffie - 6 (16. Russell - 89 mins)
8. Paartalu - 6
9. Finlayson - 6
10. Grady - 7 (15. Wake - 68 mins)
11. McAlister - 8

Subs Not Used:

12. McManus
14. Masterton
20. McWilliams

Booked: Finlayson


Cuthbert
MacGregor Shimmin Greacen Smith
FinlaysonJenkins Paartalu McGuffie McAlister
Grady

St. Johnstone: Main, Irvine, Craig, Morris, Rutkiewicz, McCaffrey, Millar (Holmes), Hardie (Moon), Samuel, Milne (MacDonald), Sheerin.

Subs Not Used: Anderson, Moon, Hillcoat


My man of the match: Jim McAlister

Sponsor's man of the match:


Matchday Programme (Click to enlarge)














Greenock Telegraph match report

Greenock Telegraph - match reaction

BBC match report

The Sunday Mail match report

The Scottish Sun - match report

perthstjohnstonefc.com - match report

13/12/2008

McInnes Expects Problems From Morton

St. Johnstone manager Derek McInnes (pictured, left) has highlighted the size and physical nature of our play as a threat to his team tomorrow.

In an audio interview on the Perth side's official website the ex-Ton midfielder said: "Hopefully we'll get the three points required against a team who, I know they got beat in the cup a fortnight ago but their league form has certainly picked up. They'll certainly come up here with a bit more confidence than they've had in a while. They're a big, physical side and they'll cause us problems so we know we'll need to be at our best as we're up against a motivated Morton team."

St. Johnstone are without Scotland Under-21 goalkeeper Euan McLean and former Morton defender Kevin James.

Peter Weatherson is out suspended but James Grady looks set to return to first team action.

perthstjohnstonefc.co.uk - Audio play back
DEL: TIME TO GET BACK TO WINNING WAYS

Morton Confirm Sun Story

Morton have today confirmed that the club has agreed to buy St. Mirren's East Stand and floodlights for £50,000.

In a news item on http://www.gmfc.net/ the club reveals that the structure will be used to cover the Wee Dublin End. The stand will be dismantled when St. Mirren move to their new stadium on the 31st of January 2009. Meanwhile Morton are currently working on an application to obtain the necessary permissions to allow them to start work as soon as possible after dismantling.

We have agreed to pay St. Mirren £50,000 but this is only the tip of the iceberg as the club estimates that we will have to pay a further £250,000 to have the structure transported and set up at Cappielow. However, the article also states that this is only a fraction of the amount it would have cost to fit a brand new roof.

The work will be carried out by John Mitchell - formerly of Barr Construction -who built the seating area at the front of the Cowshed as well as our Standside floodlights.

gmfc.net - Proposed Works at Cappielow

12/12/2008

Morton Set To Buy Love Street Stand For £50,000

Morton have agreed to buy St. Mirren's East Stand (aka the Reid Kerr College stand) and a pair of European-standard floodlights for £50,000. The stand - which was only built in 2000 - will be deconstructed and transported to Cappielow. It is not clear whether Morton intend to add the structure to the Wee Dublin End or the Sinclair Street end.

'Ton fans have been discussing rumours that this would happen for months but Bill Leckie's article in the supergoals pull-out in today's Scottish Sun is the first real public indication that there might be truth in the rumours.



While Leckie appears very confident that the story is true he doesn't have any sources willing to confirm a deal has been agreed. Leckie wrote that Morton stadium director Crawford Rae declined to comment and St.Mirren chairman Stewart Gilmour was 'coy'. However, Gilmour did say he would be delighted if Morton were to put some of Love Street to good use in future: " I would be delighted if some important bits of Love Street went to good use - and I'd be delighted if if it was Morton that used them. We've always had a close relationship and that's what friends do for each other."