TopCat Posted March 30 Posted March 30 4 hours ago, Greacen2000 said: Fair enough, and yes I was looking at the players more on their individual merits rather than the squad as a whole. It should go without saying that if a better alternative is available in any given position then we should pursue it and let the incumbent move on. Beyond that, clearly there are calls the gaffer needs to make such as whether or not it’s the best use of resources to have 2 fullbacks on each side. He also has the opportunity to bring in players suited to how he wants to play as opposed to trying to make the most of what he has inherited mid-season supplemented with a couple of loans. That said, I wouldn’t be too upset if we did end up holding onto 15-18 of the current squad as long as we bring in quality replacements for the ones who move on. If we keep all of my keeps plus extending/signing the loanees from my list plus say 1 of the maybes, that would give us a starting point of 18 players who we know are capable at this level, while letting go of 7. If we could replace those 7 with 3 or 4 quality additions then I think we would have the makings of a very strong squad. Realistically not all of my “keep” players are going to stay even if we make them an offer, and the same goes for the loanees, so the actual turnover is likely going to be higher regardless of who we offer deals to. We spent a lot more money this season and are likely to finish in the same league position as (or lower than) 2024/25. I agree that a smaller squad with a higher level of quality is the right direction for the club, but I'm not convinced that we have anything like 15 players worth keeping, especially if things need to be scaled back slightly. A decent measure of the current standard would be: how many of our squad would win a starting XI slot for Partick, Arbroath, St Johnstone, Raith or Dunfermline? I'd argue the case for maybe 6 or 7 players at best. 2
Mr Toon Posted March 30 Posted March 30 If the Shaw we are talking about is the one who played against Arbroath on Saturday then we should certainly keep him. He showed more composure than any other of our players and his work rate was better than ever before. We should get Owens onto a decent contract asap. We should keep if possible Ballantyne, Wilson, Blues, Moffat, Garrity, MacPherson, and one of the two loan keepers. Delaney, I'm not sure about. He has had some great games and a couple of bombscare performances. Longridge is a probable for his experience and versatility. Main, in spite of his high sitter miss rate led the line well in our 'good period' on Saturday, but not sure overall whether we should keep him. We really do need someone who is consistently able to put the ball in the net and that we have sadly lacked this season. I like the football we are seeing under Murray and am (as usual) optimistic about next season.
TRVMP Posted March 30 Posted March 30 What percentage of games has that Shaw appeared in for us? 20% maybe? Morton
Mr Toon Posted March 30 Posted March 30 49 minutes ago, TRVMP said: What percentage of games has that Shaw appeared in for us? 20% maybe? Perhaps not even, but as they say 'you are only as good as your last game' and under Murray we are getting more from him than under Imrie.
Ferguson Posted March 30 Posted March 30 Murray’s got a really good track record with wingers, Moffat has been a new player and even Shaw was brilliant yesterday in the first half. I’d like to think he could find better wingers to work his magic on than Shaw, although I acknowledge his upturn in form.
dunning1874 Posted March 30 Posted March 30 Yeah that's two good games in a row from Shaw, but even if he maintains that for all of the next five which would be a remarkable level of consistency for any winger to suddenly find, you're talking about handing someone a contract based on 7 games. If he maintains the end product you'd have to think about it, but that could easily just be a purple patch. 2 Brian Wake my Lord, Brian Wake Brian Wake my Lord, Brian Wake Brian Wake my Lord, Brian Wake Oh Lord, Brian Wake
Mr.Blue Posted March 31 Posted March 31 8 hours ago, dunning1874 said: Yeah that's two good games in a row from Shaw, but even if he maintains that for all of the next five which would be a remarkable level of consistency for any winger to suddenly find, you're talking about handing someone a contract based on 7 games. If he maintains the end product you'd have to think about it, but that could easily just be a purple patch. This. Could be Murray working wonders, a new manager bounce for the player or he's trying to impress for a new contract somewhere. Regardless I wouldn't be disappointed to see him leave. He's clearly got ability but his effort and application has been questionable. Some folk comparing him to Robbie Muirhead. I'd say Muirhead was much more consistent for us. Certainly when Imrie was the manager. There's a storm on the horizon And for that I can't see the sun For I'll keep a waiting on the pavement For the ice cream van to come
vikingTON Posted March 31 Posted March 31 14 hours ago, Mr Toon said: Perhaps not even, but as they say 'you are only as good as your last game' and under Murray we are getting more from him than under Imrie. Who says that? The Director of Football at Spurs or some other rabble? Put aside the manager and you are describing the seasonal performance of Paul di Giacomo and countless other flattering to deceive sand dancers. The site is supposed to be a place for the extended 'family' of Morton supporters - having an affinity with people that you don't know, because you share a love of your local football club. It's not supposed to be about point scoring and showing how 'clever' or 'funny' you are, or just being downright rude and offensive to people you don't know, because you can get away with it. Unfortunately, it seems the classic case of people who have little standing/presence in real life, use this forum as a way of making themselves feel as if they are something. It's sad, and I've said that before.. So, having been on Morton forums for about 15 years I guess, I've had enough... well done t*ssers, another Morton supporter driven away. You can all feel happy at how 'clever' you are
Deego Posted March 31 Posted March 31 I’ve no desire to see Shaw play again this season never mind next. Out. 1
Madton Posted March 31 Posted March 31 (edited) If we can go into pre-season with the following squad, I think it gives us a good base to work with. Keeper- Murdoch Defence- Ballantyne, Delaney, Longridge, Owens, Moore. Midfield- Mcpherson, Blues, Wilson, Robertson. Forwards- Moffat, Brophy, Garrity. Gives us a nucleus of 13 players and still allows Murray to bring in 7 or 8 of his own players. Don't think the squad needs massive surgery and I doubt we can afford it either but will be interesting to see the type of player Murray brings in. The rest can go unless they fall under the Dalrada 288k deal in which case we might as well keep them around for another year as a freebe. Edited March 31 by Madton 1
Dolan1874 Posted March 31 Posted March 31 There are quite a few I feel we should be looking to move on after what has been a very up and down season. Imo I'd like to see the following players being extended: Owens, Longridge, Ballantyne, Comrie, MacPherson, Wilson, Blues, Moffat, Garrity. Plus already having Murdoch, Moore, Robertson and Brophy. I feel that's a solid foundation to build on next season. Would mean releasing/not keeping Storer, Johnson, Lopata-White, Delaney, Taylor, Gillespie, McKay, Shaw, Crawford, Lyall, O'Halloran, Main. Ideally we would be trying to keep Storer and Lopata-White but don't think we have any chance of that unfortunately.
Stevie Aitken's Love Child Posted April 1 Posted April 1 There's Curtis Main giving it the old "I'd love to stay next season if there's a possibility" line in today's Tele. The Curtis Main that played on Saturday against Arbroath is a player you'd be happy to see at the club next season, but consistency has been an issue. If he bucks that trend and shows the Arbroath game form over the next 5 games then he'll be well in with a shout of a deal I reckon. 1
Popular Post vikingTON Posted April 2 Popular Post Posted April 2 (edited) On 4/1/2026 at 4:04 PM, Stevie Aitken's Love Child said: There's Curtis Main giving it the old "I'd love to stay next season if there's a possibility" line in today's Tele. The Curtis Main that played on Saturday against Arbroath is a player you'd be happy to see at the club next season, but consistency has been an issue. If he bucks that trend and shows the Arbroath game form over the next 5 games then he'll be well in with a shout of a deal I reckon. Main discussed in the Tele before Saturday's game about how Murray's more direct style for forward play was enjoyable and suited him, as opposed to playing 18 passes around before playing the ball forward (see Imrie, D., after not getting the come hither look from bigger clubs). Saturday's performance was good in parts, but we would need both consistency and a more reliable 90 minute long (or 75 minutes at least) presence to merit offering a new deal. Main has been an upgrade on Adeloye in terms of link up play and effectiveness, but we should be open to other options too. Edited April 2 by vikingTON 4 The site is supposed to be a place for the extended 'family' of Morton supporters - having an affinity with people that you don't know, because you share a love of your local football club. It's not supposed to be about point scoring and showing how 'clever' or 'funny' you are, or just being downright rude and offensive to people you don't know, because you can get away with it. Unfortunately, it seems the classic case of people who have little standing/presence in real life, use this forum as a way of making themselves feel as if they are something. It's sad, and I've said that before.. So, having been on Morton forums for about 15 years I guess, I've had enough... well done t*ssers, another Morton supporter driven away. You can all feel happy at how 'clever' you are
Hej Posted April 3 Posted April 3 On 4/1/2026 at 4:04 PM, Stevie Aitken's Love Child said: The Curtis Main that played on Saturday against Arbroath is a player you'd be happy to see at the club next season, but consistency has been an issue Not even sure about that. For all his hold up play was decent, if he doesn't miss that sitter at 2-0, we porbably see the game out comfortably at 3-0. He's as much to blame as anyone for the 2nd half being a poor, nervy display
Mr.Blue Posted April 3 Posted April 3 21 minutes ago, Madton said: Storer back in squad for tomorrow. If he's fit start him. There's a storm on the horizon And for that I can't see the sun For I'll keep a waiting on the pavement For the ice cream van to come
Stevie Aitken's Love Child Posted April 10 Posted April 10 Longridge signs up for 2026. Quite surprised at that. 1
TRVMP Posted April 10 Posted April 10 Wouldn't have been on my keep list but Murray's earned some trust, so good luck to him. Morton
Mr.Blue Posted April 10 Posted April 10 On paper an experienced player and can play at cb or lb. I wouldn't have been rushing to get him signed up tbh but happy to go with Murrays judgement. There's a storm on the horizon And for that I can't see the sun For I'll keep a waiting on the pavement For the ice cream van to come
HamCam Posted April 10 Posted April 10 I think Longridge is a solid signing at our level. Murray clearly sees him as fitting the model he wishes to play. 2
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