Football Season Guide

Morton failed to make the play-offs again and start the new season with a fresh approach under the direction of new manager, Ray McKinnon. Jim Duffy’s departure was a surprise and leaving with him were several of their key players such as their captain, Tom O’Ware. Morton require a whole new defence plus they have lost experienced midfielders, Gary Harkins and Andy Murdoch. Signing activity has been muted so far with ex-Dundee United midfielder, Charlie Telfer, their most notable along with Denny Johnstone. Striker, Connor Bell, boosts their attacking options too. After making his name at Brechin and then Raith Rovers, McKinnon’s reputation has suffered with his failure on the bigger stage at Dundee United. He’s now arrived away from his comfort zone on the West Coast and faces a huge task to make Morton into play-off contenders. McKinnon is a football purist and given the tight nature of the Championship, his methods based on skill before strength may see Morton struggle when the going gets tough. There’s little doubt Morton will take a while to settle with a recast team, especially in defence. With the recent death of their chairman and benefactor, Douglas Rae, Morton’s manager cannot count on complete backing from the boardroom either. A poor start could see Ray McKinnon under immediate pressure and one of the first managerial casualties of the season. Bringing Morton to the brink of the play-offs wasn’t enough to appease the Morton board last season. They’ve now made big changes in the hope that Ray McKinnon can push them further. However, Morton don’t appear to have the resources to provide McKinnon with the players he needs. He needs time to consolidate, but he won’t be given any. Morton are poised to struggle this season and will do well to avoid the bottom two places.