Football Season Guide

Morton survived their relegation play-off last season with Dumbarton, but, overall, it was a difficult season. Financial problems surfaced and manager David Hopkin abruptly left. Experienced head Gus MacPherson took charge and oversaw their unconvincing survival. He faces a difficult task this season. Hopkin (now Ayr’s manager) has lured away Morton’s defensive duo, McGinty and Fjortoft, powerful midfielder Salkeld and reliable goalkeeper McAdams. Creative talents Nesbitt and McGuffie are now both at Falkirk. Forward Kalvin Orsi has stepped down to Dumbarton. Although Morton had a poor season, these were all regular starters at some point and will be hard to replace. Morton have made few signings. Alan Lithgow is a reliable centre-back from Livingston and Jack Hamilton a promising goalkeeper from Dundee. Gozie Ugwu gained some Championship experience with Raith Rovers last season and Mark Russell is back after a spell in Irish football. Otherwise, Morton must be looking at loan signings to cover the gaps from their significant departures. With the players they have lost and the few they have signed, it is difficult to see how Morton can improve upon the struggle they had last season. Gus MacPherson will have them organised and fighting, but without the money to acquire quality players another relegation battle looms.