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Imrie confirmed in his preview that Strapp is done for the season and Wilson likely is too, but Oakley should be back tomorrow.

Wee shame Inverness beat 1-0 Ferguson absolutely seething. Very pleasing. Some wonder saves from Dabrowksi.

Great summary as ever Russell, many thanks for that! I was a bit surprised however that upgrading Cappielow wasn't one of the main agenda items, as this will require significant investment in the near future. Would have been interesting to know what the plans are for this, and perhaps more importantly, how it will be financed.

(Photo-Russell Gordon) Greenock Morton FC AGM- 18th April 2024 By Russell Gordon This year’s AGM of Greenock Morton FC took place in the Douglas Rae Lounge at Cappielow Park supported by Dalrada Technology last night, 18th April 2024, held by Directors Graham Barr, Michael Harkins, and Sam Robinson, with Club Secretary Alistair Joyce. There were four apologies from the board, and a further one from the assembled shareholders, but one notable absentee was Chairman John Laird. The meeting started with one point of order, raised by former Director Gordon Ritchie, who voiced his concerns about the legality of the meeting, given that it was being held over ten months since the date of the audited accounts. Graham Barr quipped in retaliation to Mr. Ritchie’s concerns that this was an oversight, putting it down to the lack of legal expertise on the club board since Mr. Ritchie’s recent departure. Mr. Ritchie responded by pointing out that this is the responsibility of the current board of directors, not former ones, and that he wasn’t comfortable with the legality of the meeting. Mr. Barr accepted this wasn’t ideal, but that the meeting would carry on regardless. Graham Barr opened with the Director’s Report, addressing the club’s second surplus in a couple of years, which was owed in no small part to cup draws against Celtic at Celtic Park and Rangers at Ibrox in consecutive seasons, while also thanking Dalrada for their annual six-figure contribution to the club. Graham Barr (Photo- Greenock Telegraph) On the park, it was noted that Morton narrowly missed out on another six-figure sum in prize money, such was the tight finish at the top of the Championship last season, with only a couple of points separating Morton in fifth from second placed Ayr United. It was accepted that the team’s form has fluctuated this season, with a terrific mid-season run sandwiched between two poorer runs at the beginning and end of the campaign- this was put down to the club’s small squad proving problematic for the manager when injuries and individual loss of form hit. On a more positive note, the club have bought a flat in the local area which will be used for players arriving from further afield and will rely on MCT for the preparation of the flat. Talks are ongoing with members of the current squad about contract renewals as the manager prepares for next season. Off the park, the club’s backroom operations were discussed, with Sam Robinson regaling a discussion with Alloa Chairman and SFA President Mike Mulraney, who previously described Morton as the mirror image of his club, in that Morton are a full-time football team with a part-time operation in the background, while The Wasps were a full-time operation supporting a part-time football team. It was revealed on releasing the club’s strategy for the future in February that addressing this is a priority, and that Morton will be focussing on commercial revenue and the launch of the Business Club, with the club having the intention of being open and transparent in how they operate. It was accepted that while there has been great progress in recent years, there is still a long way to go. Moving on, Michael Harkins went into more details on the club’s finances with the Financial Report. For the financial year ended 31st May 2023, the club posted a profit in the region of £70,000, with Morton making around £200,000 from their visit to Celtic Park in January of that year. Income for the year was around £1.5 million, with outgoings of just over £1.4 million. Morton made slightly more from their visit to Ibrox than they did from the Celtic match, and expect to make a profit close to £200,000 in the current financial year, which ends on 31st May 2024. The club have received roughly £750,000 from MCT contributions, and turning over such modest profits under community ownership is a positive compared to annual losses of c. £300,000 under the previous regime. We moved onto one proposed amendment to the Articles of Association- given that MCT had worked closely with Motherwell’s Well Society, and a lot of the wording was copy and pasted from Motherwell’s articles, a reference to “The Well Society” slipped through the net and appeared on Morton’s Articles. The proposal to correct and change this to “Morton Club Together” was passed unanimously. Next on the agenda was the re-election of Graham Barr to the board of directors, which was passed without any contest. There was no further business raised so the meeting was formally closed before a less formal discussion on matters relating to the club. I’ll not name check anyone asking questions as it wouldn’t be right to do so should they not be happy. First up was a question about contract renewals, which was met with a predictable answer that discussions are ongoing with some of the squad, but many are understandably biding their time to see if other offers come along and it would be inappropriate to comment on private negotiations. Another question related to the accounts relating to a period of almost a year ago, which isn’t so relevant to the club’s current position. Michael Harkins answered this by confirming it is a legacy issue with the club’s accountants, and going forward he’s hoping for accounts to be audited in August. Michael Harkins (Photo- Greenock Morton) Regarding the flat the club had purchased, while the imminent arrival of Jordan Davies from Connah’s Quay was alluded to, the question was put about more “exotic” signings, which were brushed off as unlikely but not out of the question. We then moved onto my own favourite subject of stewarding, as I queried the treatment of a friend of mine who supports Dundee United last month by the head steward, and Morton’s approach to the complaint. Happily, with the General Manager in attendance, this was addressed this morning after the meeting. Another shareholder cited his own problems with the head steward, and the treatment of his grandson by her. The GM preferred to concentrate on the stewarding team rather than one individual, perhaps understandably, but with the individual driving the team, it was pointed out that privately looking at her actions could prove a solution to the problems. Reserved seating in the stand was also brought up, and perhaps most alarmingly, problems with disabled provisions for the Hearts cup tie last month, with part of the section required for the away club’s staff. Moving on, the question was raised about the club’s youth academy. With the academy costing in the region of £100,000 a year, a third review in four years is taking place after the SFA deemed it to be one of the poorest in the country. Michael Harkins was adamant that changes will certainly be made on the basis of the findings of the latest review. With Morton’s fortunate cup draws in recent times, it was asked what contingency plans are in place for an early exit from cup competitions that doesn’t involve a trip to one of Glasgow’s big two. Sam Robinson stated that the club budget to be knocked out of the cups at the earliest possible stage and finish eighth in the Championship, and emphasised that this is why Morton are making improving commercial revenue a priority, as well as building MCT membership, and using the value of community ownership to push the Morton brand. He also confirmed a new sleeve sponsor will be announced in the near future. The club’s player of the year event was also brought up, and in particular the pricing. While the board said that sales are going well and they expect the event to sell out, they did say it would be reviewed going forward. I could be wrong, but I took that as an acceptance that they scored a bit of an own goal with their pricing policy and will learn their lesson next year. My next query was on a similar subject to my first, this time about the away fan experience at Cappielow, and more pertinently to Morton fans, how that impacts us on our travels, given that away grounds haven’t been terribly welcoming this season and Morton are regarded in most circles as having the worst facilities in the division. This was put down to cost more than anything, but it was accepted that away fans do get a raw deal. There were no promises for improvements going forward, and the TV studio makes things difficult for TV games, but the availability of the west side of the Cowshed was noted. To wrap things up, there were questions relating to the proposed community hub, and whether the club could seek UEFA funding- an unlikely source in my personal opinion, and about whether the club look at similar sized clubs, especially given Dale Pryde-MacDonald’s links to Ross County. Graham Barr said that the club are now spreading their wings a bit wider, having previously relied on a small pool of sponsors. He also said that the club want to improve their regular crowds rather than depending on positive results bringing out bigger crowds, and are working on that. I’d normally like to finish with a conclusion, but will leave it to the reader to make their own decisions off the back of this account, as I had no real positive or negative feelings on the evening’s discussions. Over to you.

Ferguson should just simply try harder at winning games of football than worrying about other teams.

He’s not very bright…….

Has the makings of them getting beat after apparently downing tools Inverness are a minging club along with Queens Park it's a shame they can't both go down.

I don’t agree it is a fair statement. I watched his press conference today (why do daft wee clubs like Inverness and Ayr have press conferences for one local hack and the club media guy?) and he repeatedly alludes to it. There’s a clear intent to do a “Fergie” and get the desired reaction from the Arbroath players the way Ferguson did to Leeds in 1996, sparking Kevin Keegan’s outburst. It doesn’t show him in a good light. It should be noted that Arbroath have said Inverness have apologised, but I don’t see anything public from them as yet. This sounds like a similar scenario to Scott Gardiner privately apologising for Dodds’ nonsense in the Cappielow boardroom, but refusing to do so publicly. They really aren’t a very likeable club at all, I would love it if we beat them.

Seems a fair comment from Ferguson, frankly. When you're already relegated your mental state simply will change, you can't help it. "Downed tools" is maybe a little harsh because these guys are still professionals and will want a contract at Arbroath or elsewhere, but they're not going to have the fire that they would if survival was still possible.

Hope Raith pump them tonight

Duncan Ferguson meltdown accusing Arbroath players of downing tools. Arbroath not happy. Caley apologise but Arbroath still demanding a retraction. Mindgames and squeaky bums.

POTY- Wilson for me. Just ahead of Mullen and Strapp. Wilsons contribution during that unbeaten period was outstanding and you see how much we miss him when he is unavailable. Goal of the season- Two real contenders. Oakley v Dundee United and Muirhead v Ayr (2nd goal), However I think I will go with Oakley's. An absolute beauty. Best Signing- Strapp was a crucial signing and was a big reason to our period of success, however Mullen edges it for me. Up until last few games I think he's been outstanding (btw I do not think he's been awful recently just not as consistent as he has been). Think going forward he will be crucial for us too, if he stays fit. Worst Signing- Steven Boyd. 2 year deal and on paper a signing that did not make sense. Tyler French has been poor, however I completely understand why we were in for him and was quite happy when he did sign. Most significant goal- Oakley away to Arbroath. Stopped the rot of league defeats in what really was a must win game even at that early point of the season. Best Game- If cup games count. Motherwell at Cappielow. A glorious evening. In terms of league, 2-3 at Tannadice. Worst Game- Probably the toughest question of them all. Partick 4-1 loss at Cappielow was rough to take. However, the Dunfermline Friday night defeat was toxic. I would probably go with that.

Just get survival wrapped up with a win and we can look beyond this season.

I wasn't expecting much when i clicked on the link, but was pleasantly surprised by the designs - The 'Cowshed' T-shirts with the Sugar Sheds and Arrol Titan Crane is a simple yet unique and interesting design. A huge well done for whoever came up with that one.

https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2024/apr/18/former-snp-chief-executive-peter-murrell-charged-over-embezzlement-husband-nicola-sturgeon

Arbroath v Morton – Match Preview by Russell Gordon With only a small concern over the possibility of Morton ending up in the relegation play-offs, and the play-offs at the right end of the table now arithmetically out of reach after a dismal seven weeks or so since Morton’s sixteen match unbeaten run came to an end, the irresistible force meets the immoveable object as our favourites make what could be their last trip to Gayfield for a while to visit already relegated Arbroath. While there aren’t many fixtures in this division that either team will relish, such is the turgid form of both, this is perhaps a game that Dougie Imrie and Jim McIntyre will look towards to provide some cheer at a time that points have been at a premium for both. Photo - GBR Photographs. Squad News There’s no secret that injuries have played their part in Morton’s late season decline, with talismanic striker George Oakley joining Lewis Strapp on the sidelines for the visit of Dundee United last Friday. There’s no indication of a return for either, but I suspect the withdrawal of Iain Wilson at half time last week was merely a case of Imrie managing the midfielder’s game time in order to aid his recovery. Imrie’s has also had his defensive woes of late, but he can consider himself lucky that Jack Baird hasn’t received a call from the Compliance Officer, after Morton’s vice-captain appeared quite conclusively to stamp on United striker Louis Moult in the first half of Friday’s defeat to the league leaders. There must have been fears that Baird would be facing at least a two match ban, but those appear unfounded. The manager could rotate again, with the likes of Michael Garrity and Jack Bearne pushing for Jai Quitongo’s place in the side, and the possibility of Robbie Muirhead dropping back should Oakley make a return to the starting XI. Current Connections Since the departure of Bobby Linn from Arbroath last summer, the only remaining player connecting the two clubs is between the Arbroath sticks. Derek Gaston was a popular figure in his seven years at Cappielow between 2012 and 2019, after arriving from Albion Rovers. making a significant contribution and bagging a League One winners’ medal in 2015 as Morton returned to Scotland’s second tier. After leaving Morton in 2019, Gaston moved onto newly promoted Arbroath, who allowed him to go part time to let him concentrate on furthering a career in coaching. Gaston’s contribution at Gayfield has been equally significant, playing a pivotal role in the Red Lichties’ incredible 2021-22 season in which they were pipped to the post for the Championship title by Kilmarnock. Though he hasn’t seen as much first team action this term, this may well be the last time the Arbroath custodian comes face-to-face with his former employers. Tale of the Tape It’s quite inconsiderate of Arbroath to go and get relegated, just as Morton finally manage to break their hoodoo against our friends from Angus. Their final win of their incredible run of thirteen games without defeat in the fixture came in August at Cappielow, as Arbroath registered a 3-0 victory over Morton as the visitors recorded their first league success of the campaign on a day the Morton’s early season optimism evaporated in alarming fashion. Kirk Broadfoot was penalised for handball in the box in the twentieth minute, allowing Michael McKenna to convert from the spot to give the visitors a surprise lead. That lead was doubled with fourteen minutes remaining when Iain Wilson, debuting on his return to the club from Queen of the South, turned the ball into his own net, before Joao Balde put the lid on a miserable afternoon for the ‘Ton by adding a fourth right on the final whistle. The hoodoo though, was finally broken in early December when Morton travelled to Gayfield and included the returning Lewis Strapp in the matchday squad. With their early-season injury woes beginning to clear, Lewis McGrattan got on the end of a beautiful through ball from Jack Bearne to give Morton a first half lead before Arbroath stalwart David Gold levelled the affair on the hour. However, with eleven minutes to go, Morton utilised a weapon that they had been deprived of all season, as Strapp’s long throw was nodded on by Robbie Muirhead and landed at the feet on George Oakley, who turned and rifled the ball into the net to give Morton a long overdue victory. Arbroath’s visit in January was a more straight-forward affair, though Morton did make heavy work of their 3-0 victory against ten-man Arbroath who lost the experienced Keghan Jacobs to two quickfire bookings in the 25th and 26th minutes. It took two penalties, from Robbie Muirhead on 63 minutes and Grant Gillespie in the 82nd, sandwiching a fine 75th minute George Oakley goal to give Morton the points against an Arbroath side for whom relegation was beginning to loom large by that stage of the season. Photo - GBR Photographs. Opposition Analysis There’s no hiding from it, Arbroath have endured a miserable campaign, with their relegation rubber stamped last weekend by a 0-5 Somerset Park drubbing. They’ve failed to pick up a single point since their remarkable, and not-at-all-funny 3-2 comeback victory over big-spending Raith Rovers. Seven consecutive defeats have followed, and over the course of the season there have been a number of heavy drubbings, with a 0-17 aggregate to champions-elect Dundee United the most damning statistic. The departure of long-serving manager Dick Campbell after their shock Scottish Cup exit to League Two Spartans ended up quite a messy affair, and the appointment of his successor, man-of-many-club Jim McIntyre, just hasn’t proven to be a success on any measurable scale. I spoke to our friend from the east coast, Ewan Smith (@ewansmithpr) about Arbroath’s dismal campaign and his hopes for the match and going forward in League One: “With relegation confirmed after a 0-5 defeat by Ayr last week, it’s all about pride for Arbroath. In truth, it’s been an incredibly difficult season for all at Gayfield. The horrendous injury situation, that at one point saw twelve players sidelined, had a hugely detrimental impact on the club and forced its hand into making emergency signings. But the simple fact is that the team hasn’t been good enough over the course of the season to survive. They deserve to finish bottom. There have been a lot of poor performances and too many uncharacteristic hammerings. The club’s success was built on a solid backline, but injuries and loss of form have driven a wedge through that. Where does the club go now? Financially, it’s on a solid footing. The club has made a lot of sound commercial decisions and has strong links to local businesses and the wider community. But on the park there needs to be, and will be, a big rebuild job. It’s not going to be easy, but the re-signing of key player Scott Stewart on a new two-year deal is a welcome boost and he’ll be a crucial player going forward. There is such a strong affinity between players such as Stewart, David Gold, Tam O’Brien, Michael McKenna and Derek Gaston., and if Arbroath can hold onto their core players and add quality then they can make a fist of it next term. Until then though, they need to make an impact in their final three Championship games. Morton used to be a game Arbroath fans relished, on the back of an unbeaten record that evaporated this season. But on the back of a public meeting between manager Jim McIntyre, long-serving David Gold and the fans, it will be interesting to see how the team and the home support react.” What’s Happening Elsewhere? After United’s resounding victory at Cappielow last Friday, the winning post is in sight for Jim Goodwin’s side, who sit six points clear at the top of the pile with only three games remaining. The Arabs will have their eyes glued to their TVs on Friday night, as big-spending Raith Rovers’ visit to an Inverness side who dragged themselves out of the relegation play-off place with a vital win at Hampden that saw them overtake their hosts Queen’s Park, last weekend. Should the lavish-spending lino cutters fail to win, a victory for United at home to Ayr will see the champagne corks popping at Tannadice, although in truth, such is their massive goal difference advantage, any result in Inverness coupled with a Dundee United victory will effectively guarantee the title. More pertinently for Morton- should Raith win on Friday, a Morton victory would mean that the Highlanders could only finish level on points with Morton at the season’s conclusion, and that would rely on them beating the ‘Ton at the Caledonian Stadium on the final day. The other match directly affecting Morton is Queen’s Park’s visit to Dunfermline. With the Spiders sitting five points behind Morton, the ‘Ton could be guaranteed to finish above the Glasgow side should results go as hoped. Heaven forbid, Morton lose and both Inverness and Queen’s Park win, but we’ll worry about that at 5pm on Saturday! In the final match, Partick host Airdrie in a dress rehearsal for the play-off quarter final. Yuck. Elsewhere in Scotland, the Scottish Cup semi-finals take centre stage, as Celtic face Aberdeen at Hampden on Saturday and Morton’s quarter-final conquerors, Hearts, travel to the National Stadium to face Rangers. With the League One, League Two and Lowland League titles all done and dusted, there’s a box office finish to the Highland League season, with Buckie Thistle sitting in the box seat, on 78 points with a goal difference of 63 goals, while nearest challengers Brechin City are also on 78 points, but with a goal difference of 61 goals. Buckie have scored nine more goals and host Keith in their final game, while Brechin travel to Brora Rangers. Fraserburgh can technically still win the title, but sit three points behind the two favourites with a goal difference of 54. They do host league whipping boys Strathspey Thistle, but the likelihood of both losing while they make up the considerable goal difference is remote. The eventual champions travel to K-Park to play Lowland champions East Kilbride next Saturday for the play-off semi-final first leg, before hosting the Oystercatchers in a fortnight’s time for a crack at whoever finishes bottom of League Two, with Clyde currently occupying the dreaded Club 42 spot. Photo - GBR Photographs. Betting Guide All odds are supplied by McBookie. All odds correct as of 7pm on 18th April 2024 and are subject to change. Please only bet within your means and visit BeGambleAware if you are struggling. Morton are clear favourites going into the match, despite their woes of recent weeks. The visitors are priced at 8/15, with Arbroath at 4/1 and the draw at 3/1. Grant Gillespie to score anytime is 15/8 and Morton to be leading at half time and to win at full time is 6/4. Match Officials Referee- Callum Scott officiates his second Morton game of the season, having stood in the middle of their 4-1 League Cup Group Stage victory over Edinburgh City. AR 1- Daniel McFarlane AR 2- Elliot Husband Powton

Player of the Year - Close call, but I'd go with Mullen. Goal of the Season - Sticking with games I was at - Muirhead's 2nd against Ayr. Best Signing - Lewis Strapp, same reasons as stated elsewhere Most Significant Goal - George Oakley's late winner at Ayr which came after three winless games (and yes, we got 1 point from the following 12, but it was vital at the time). Best Game - Muirhead 3-0 Ayr or the Motherwell game. Worst Game - Morton 1-4 Partick, although the opening 15 minutes of the 1-2 Dunfermline game at Cappielow was horrendous.

RB signed on loan from the Govan girners. Has never played, apparently got injured during a pre game (v Airdrie in September, I think) warm up and has never been seen since. Think he went back up the road on January.

I would be surprised if Broadfoot or Power get another contract at the meeting in the Morton supporters the chairman stated players wishing to end their careers at Cappielow is a thing of the past while he is there.

According to Companies House, David McCluskey has resigned as chair of MCT. I wonder if the MCT board will ever get around to telling the membership about this.

I suppose you could argue that King could have replaced Crawford in the '10' role after his form dipped, but I still think King will have benefited more from spending the season playing regularly for Clyde than he would have been starting 5 games and making 10 sub appearances for us this season.

Despite being a disappointment, French is safely out of the running for worst signing having at least contributed consistently to our winning run. Steven Boyd has that honour wrapped up and Jamie McDonald would be easily ahead of French too, he’s suffered from a combination of bad form, lack of sustained fitness and possibly just an overall lack of remaining ability for this level. Giving Harkness a free pass on the assumption we haven’t paid his wages since the injury, which is a total guess. Honourable mentions for goal of the season are Garrity’s volley against Airdrie, Muirhead’s second against Ayr and Muirhead’s tap in against QP at cappielow.

At least that ends the contest for Mentallest Post of the Year. Saves everyone a lot of hassle.

POTY: Mullen for me. I don't think I was the only one to be unsure on his arrival but I feel confident with him in the net. He's got much better as the season has went on too. Wilson and Oakley for 2nd and 3rd. Strapp probably hasn't featured enough. GOTS: Oakley's 3rd at Tannadice - the scenes were unreal. Best signing: Strapp, I reckon we might never of made it out of the bottom two without him. Worst signing: French/Boyd, both rather poor players at this level. Seemed for Boyd that he was struggling with battles off the pitch mind you. French can't even handle battles on the pitch. Harkness never got a chance so would be unfair to include him, he may have been a top player, we'll never know. Season high: Binning Motherwell out the cup. Season low: too many in recent weeks to count, I think Fridays capitulation against Dundee was pretty hard to take.