Morton Club Together Updates

[TRVMP]

Don't know why I thought the agm was yesterday, it's today at 7pm.

[TRVMP]

Did anyone go? Take notes? 

[HamCam]

As I only attended in part and never took notes I was hoping someone more organised would respond but alas no. In the hope it helps some brief comments from my recollection of the AGM as follows:

- We will make a loss this year but it is manageable (for now anyway) largely due to the backing of our main sponsors in particular Dalrada. MCT got a notable mention as the funds generated are invaluable to the club in particular supporting transfer activity.

- The recent media comment on Dalrada was noted but was viewed as being overly dramatic and discussions are ongoing between the parties. The individuals in Dalrada assured the Club they remain supportive and are looking to extend the deal. The only concern I had was a lack of clarity on exactly how long the support would continue. 

- The Board were extremely grateful to all sponsors, old and new, especially given the challenging economic backdrop - every pound makes a difference to the Club.

- While a materially improved budget is in place this season it was confirmed it is dwarfed by the increased spending of others in the Championship. Our budget is thought to be in line with Airdrie. In the circumstances, we continue to punch above our weight. 

- The background to Derek Anderson leaving the youth set-up was he was operating as a contractor and the Club were looking to make him an employee - he declined. There was no ill feeling and the parties agreed to part ways. This provided the opportunity to review operations and the youth players are now fully integrated into the set-up under the direct supervision of the manager. The hope is this will result in more young lads progressing into the squads and ultimately the first-team.

- The Club are very keen to see a progression for youth but acknowledge the difficulties working in this part of the world with limited resources. In the past when the youth has been part of training they have not taken the opportunity often preferring their mobiles to working out in the gym. The manager has not been convinced the younger players have grasped the nettle but is willing to be convinced. 

- Th youth players are on standard contracts which offer compensation if they are picked up by other clubs. The Club maintain there is not a lot more they can do as all the lads have agents who are constantly whispering in their ears - in summary the agents are whoring the boys out to all and sundry. The Club maintain they will not stand in the way of any player progressing on to better things but confirmed no approach had been made for anyone despite the rumours.

- The Club has encouraged the players to be more open to being visible in the community and in engaging with fans but there has been a marked reluctance to get involved. In contrast the manager has always been willing to embrace this opportunity but it has not really moved on.

- The Club constantly applauded the manager and his team for the work they put in to make Morton successful on the park. So much of what is done is not visible to the fans, other than on match day, but as most of us know while the manager may not always get it right it is not for a lack of effort on his part. 

- The Board acknowledged and apologised for a lack of comms, at times. They asked though people recognise how small a staff there is at Cappielow with huge amounts of work down to volunteers. They held their hands up saying things could be better, encouraging anyone who wants to get involved to get in touch. It was also mentioned how much time has been taken up this season with unexpected events - the Jet saga, the storm damage to the stadium, the lack of home games after Christmas and the effect on cashflow, the 'ultras'...

As I have commented elsewhere on other individual issues including the 'ultras' I will leave it at that. If I have misinterpreted anything apologies it was not intended.

Edited March 11 by HamCam

[TRVMP]

Poll up for the MCT Player of the Year.

Personally I went for Blues. You could make a case for a few others, including Mullen and perhaps Lyall, maybe Ballantyne.

There's also a women's POTY vote but I abstained as I've never watched them and couldn't pick.

[Mr Toon]

Interesting fact:

Unless it needs to be updated, The number of  MCT members has not changed at all throughout the 'period of uncertainty' and the vote. Apparently no one scunnered enough to leave and no one so enthused by the new deal that they have joined.

Hopefully a few more will join soin.