Greenock Morton 2014-15 football season
Season 2014–15 saw Greenock Morton compete in the Scottish League One the third tier of Scottish football , having finished bottom of the Scottish Championship in 2013-14. Morton will also compete in the Challenge Cup , Scottish League Cup and the Scottish Cup .
Morton won the championship on the final day of the regular season, on 2 May 2015, with a 3–1 victory over Peterhead .
Story of the season
May
Kenny Shiels resigned as manager at the end of the previous season.[ 1]
Marc Fitzpatrick left the club to look for a part-time club.[ 2]
Morton appointed Clyde manager Jim Duffy as the replacement for Kenny Shiels .[ 3] Duffy signed a two-year contract with the club.[ 4]
Young defender Nicky Jamieson left to take up an accountancy apprenticeship with Ernst & Young .[ 5]
Ten of the club's youth players signed new full-time contracts. Luke Irvine, Steven Lamont and Aidan Ferris were given six-month extensions, while Jordan Cairnie , Cameron O'Neil, Craig Knight, Lewis McIntyre, John Tennant, Dylan Stevenson and Thomas Orr penned two-year deals.[ 6]
Derek Gaston agreed a new one-year deal with the club.[ 7] Thomas O'Ware followed suit.[ 8]
June
Ex-Ton midfielder Craig McPherson signed a two-year contract to become Jim Duffy 's assistant.[ 9]
Captain Dougie Imrie left the club to re-join Hamilton Academical after turning down a contract extension.[ 10]
Morton re-signed Mark Russell on a two-year deal,[ 11] whilst Stefan Milojević and Conor Pepper verbally agreed terms.[ 12]
Scott Taggart left the club after rejecting a new deal.[ 13]
Morton agreed terms with two more players, Michael Miller from Celtic , and ex-Hamilton Accies defender Lee Kilday .[ 14] Kilday signed, along with Sean Crighton who was already working at the club as a youth coach.[ 15]
Stefan Milojević , Conor Pepper and Stefan McCluskey all signed for the club.[ 16]
Andrew Barrowman started training with the club.[ 17]
July
Morton were drawn against Lowland Football League champions Spartans in the first round of the Scottish Challenge Cup.[ 18]
Barrowman became the first new striker to sign with the club.[ 19]
Morton received a second home cup tie of the season with a game against Berwick Rangers .[ 20]
Morton defeated Viewfield Rovers 13-1 to confirm their place in the Renfrewshire Cup final. Barrowman scored a hat-trick, with Mark Russell and Joe McKee getting braces.[ 21]
Morton signed trialist duo Jordan Allan and Ricki Lamie , as well as re-signing David McNeil , on short-term contracts.[ 22]
Ex-St Mirren youth striker Jon Scullion signed a 6-month contract with the club.[ 23]
After defeating Spartans in the first round, Morton received another home tie against Berwick Rangers in the second round of the Challenge Cup .[ 24]
Stefan McCluskey 's brother Jamie signed on a one-month contract, rejecting offers from India and Cyprus.[ 25]
August
Morton drew Partick Thistle at home in the second round of the League Cup .[ 26]
Declan McManus signed on loan from Aberdeen until 6 January 2015.[ 27]
Fouad Bachirou made a move to Swedish second tier side Östersunds FK for an undisclosed fee.[ 28]
After defeating Berwick in extra time in round 2, Morton were given a fifth successive home tie with a quarter final clash against Alloa Athletic .[ 29]
Jamie McCluskey signed a contract extension to tie him to the club until the end of the season.[ 30]
September
Morton signed Rangers midfielder Robbie Crawford on a four-month loan spell.[ 31]
Declan McManus received his first call-up to the Scotland U21 side .[ 32]
Aidan Fulton was officially released by the club after failing to win a deal over the summer.[ 33]
October
Aidan Ferris was loaned out to Lowland League side BSC Glasgow .[ 34]
In the Scottish Cup third round, drawn by Billy Connolly , Morton were given a home tie against Airdrieonians ;[ 35] whilst they were drawn away to Raith Rovers in the Scottish Youth Cup .[ 36]
Third-choice goalkeeper Lewis McIntyre asked to be released from his contract.[ 37]
November
After defeating Raith 5-0, Morton were given a home draw in the fourth round of the Scottish Youth Cup .[ 38]
Defender Luke Irvine (18) and goalkeeper Jamie McGowan (17) signed new 18-month contracts with the club's development squad.[ 39]
Morton were eliminated from the Scottish Cup at the fourth round stage by Spartans ; this was their first ever defeat against non-league opposition.[ 40]
December
Grant Adam was brought in as a trialist after injuries to Derek Gaston and Nicolas Caraux .[ 41]
Morton were eliminated on penalties from the Scottish Youth Cup by bogey side Queen's Park .[ 42]
Jim Duffy was named as League One manager of the month for November 2014.[ 43]
Jon Scullion and Ricki Lamie were given contract extensions until the end of the season.[ 44]
January
Reece Hands was released by mutual consent.[ 45]
Morton signed trialist goalkeeper Grant Adam as well as strikers Peter MacDonald and Ross Caldwell .[ 46]
Andrew Barrowman was also released by mutual consent[ 47] to sign for Dunfermline Athletic in a swap deal with Ross Forbes .[ 48]
Aidan Ferris was given a contract until the end of the season after returning from a successful loan spell in Glasgow, Steven Lamont from the under-20s squad was also released,[ 49] as were Jordan Allan and David McNeil .[ 50]
David Hopkin left his post as reserve team manager to become assistant head coach at Livingston to Mark Burchill .[ 51]
18 months after leaving for £50,000, Michael Tidser returned to the club on a free transfer, signing a 2+ 1 ⁄2 -year contract.[ 52] FIFA rules prevent him from playing for the club until next season however as he has already played for Rotherham and Oldham this season.[ 53]
February
Top scorer Declan McManus returned on loan for the rest of the season after failing to get any playing time back at Pittodrie .[ 54]
Captain Peter MacDonald was ruled out after undergoing a back procedure to alleviate the pain of a bulging disc.[ 55]
Gary McCann of junior side Irvine Meadow played as a trialist against Ayr United U20s.[ 56]
Morton came to agreements with several junior sides to farm the development squad out to get first team experience whilst still being eligible to play for the U20s during the week.[ 57]
March
Another two youngsters went out on loan to junior sides .[ 58]
Luke Irvine also joined Port Glasgow on loan.[ 59]
Mark Russell was told by the chairman that he would be offered a new improved contract.[ 60]
April
Declan McManus was nominated for PFA Scotland League One Player of the Year.[ 61]
Morton finished third in the Development League West with a victory over Queens Park , and the U17s won the Club Academy Scotland U16/17 South/West League with a 3–1 win against Ayr United .[ 62]
May
Declan McManus and Mark Russell were announced as being included in the PFA Scotland League One Team of the Year.[ 63]
Morton finished the season as champions, defeating Peterhead by three goals to one; goals being scored by Mark Russell , Declan McManus and Michael Miller [ 64]
McManus won the PFA Scotland League One Player of the Year award.[ 65]
First team transfers
From end of 2013-14 season, to last match of season 2014-15
In
Out
Squad (that played for first team)
Note: Flags indicate national team as defined under FIFA eligibility rules; some limited exceptions apply. Players may hold more than one non-FIFA nationality.
Fixtures and results
Win
Draw
Loss
Upcoming fixture
Pre-season
Friendlies
Renfrewshire Cup
Scottish League One
Scottish Cup
Scottish League Cup
Scottish Challenge Cup
Development squad
Friendlies
Development League West
Scottish Youth Cup
League table
Source:
SPFL Rules for classification: 1) points; 2) goal difference; 3) number of goals scored.
(C) Champions;
(P) Promoted
Player statistics
As of 4 May 2015
All competitions
Additional positions played listed, if have started in more than one this season.
Development squad goalscorers
Including goals from the Development League West and SFA Youth Cup
Awards
Last updated 25 April 2014
Nation
Name
Award
Month
Jim Duffy
League One Manager of the Month[ 43]
November 2014
Declan McManus
PFA Scotland League One Team of the Year
May 2015
Mark Russell
PFA Scotland League One Team of the Year
May 2015
Declan McManus
SPFA League One Player of the Year
May 2015
References
^ Mitchell, Jonathan (6 May 2014). "Kenny Shiels resigns as Morton manager" . Greenock Telegraph. Retrieved 6 May 2014 .
^ "Fitzpatrick's Twitter rant off the Marc for Morton fans" . Greenock Telegraph. 10 May 2014. Retrieved 10 May 2014 .
^ "Club Statement: Manager" . Clyde F.C. 19 May 2014. Retrieved 19 May 2014 .
^ Mitchell, Jonathan (20 May 2014). "Duffy wants to bring back glory days to Cappielow" . Greenock Telegraph. Retrieved 20 May 2014 .
^ Mitchell, Jonathan (20 May 2014). "Talented Morton youngster to depart Cappielow" . Greenock Telegraph. Retrieved 20 May 2014 .
^ Mitchell, Jonathan (23 May 2014). "Ten commit future to Ton" . Greenock Telegraph. Retrieved 23 May 2014 .
^ Mitchell, Jonathan (28 May 2014). "Keeper decides to stay" . Greenock Telegraph. Retrieved 28 May 2014 .
^ Mitchell, Jonathan (30 May 2014). "Defender agrees new deal" . Greenock Telegraph. Retrieved 31 May 2014 .
^ Mitchell, Jonathan (2 June 2014). "McPherson seals assistant's deal" . Greenock Telegraph. Retrieved 2 June 2014 .
^ Mitchell, Jonathan (7 June 2014). "Imrie turns down Ton contract extension" . Greenock Telegraph. Retrieved 7 June 2014 .
^ Mitchell, Jonathan (10 June 2014). "Youngster Russell stays with Morton" . Greenock Telegraph. Retrieved 10 June 2014 .
^ Mitchell, Jonathan (7 June 2014). "Morton set to secure double signing" . Greenock Telegraph. Retrieved 7 June 2014 .
^ Mitchell, Jonathan (11 June 2014). "Taggart turns down new Morton deal" . Greenock Telegraph. Retrieved 11 June 2014 .
^ Mitchell, Jonathan (13 June 2014). "Morton set to secure duo" . Greenock Telegraph. Retrieved 14 June 2014 .
^ "Kilday and Crighton join Morton" . Scottish Professional Football League. 16 June 2014. Retrieved 16 June 2014 .
^ "Three put pen to paper this morning" . Greenock Morton F.C. 24 June 2014. Retrieved 24 June 2014 .
^ Mitchell, Jonathan (30 June 2014). "Hitman training with Ton" . Greenock Telegraph. Retrieved 2 July 2014 .
^ "Petrofac Training Cup 1st Round" . Scottish Professional Football League. 2 July 2014. Archived from the original on 21 February 2018. Retrieved 2 July 2014 .
^ Steele, Russell (4 July 2014). "Morton land striker Barrowman" . Greenock Telegraph. Retrieved 4 July 2014 .
^ "League Cup 2014 - 2015" . Greenock Morton F.C. 10 July 2014. Retrieved 10 July 2014 .
^ Mitchell, Jonathan (15 July 2014). "REPORT Morton 13 Viewfield Rovers 1" . Greenock Telegraph. Retrieved 15 July 2014 .
^ Mitchell, Jonathan (18 July 2014). "Morton snap up three trialists" . Greenock Telegraph. Retrieved 18 July 2014 .
^ Mitchell, Jonathan (26 July 2014). "Morton complete Scullion deal" . Greenock Telegraph. Retrieved 26 July 2014 .
^ "Petrofac Training Cup - 2nd Round" . Greenock Morton F.C. 29 July 2014. Retrieved 29 July 2014 .
^ Mitchell, Jonathan (31 July 2014). "McCluskey: 'I turned down move abroad to team up with brother' " . Greenock Telegraph. Retrieved 31 July 2014 .
^ "League Cup draw this evening" . Scottish Professional Football League. 6 August 2014. Archived from the original on 9 August 2014. Retrieved 6 August 2014 .
^ Mitchell, Jonathan (8 August 2014). "Morton land Dons striker on loan" . Greenock Telegraph. Retrieved 8 August 2014 .
^ Mitchell, Jonathan (9 August 2014). "Bachirou make Sweden switch" . Greenock Telegraph. Retrieved 9 August 2014 .
^ Mitchell, Jonathan (21 August 2014). "Another cup home draw for Morton" . Greenock Telegraph. Retrieved 21 August 2014 .
^ Mitchell, Jonathan (23 August 2014). "Morton won't go for all-out attack against Blue Toon" . Greenock Telegraph. Retrieved 23 August 2014 .
^ "Deadline day round-up" . Scottish Professional Football League. 1 September 2014. Retrieved 2 September 2014 .
^ Mitchell, Jonathan (6 September 2014). "Morton striker's pride at international call-up" . Greenock Telegraph. Retrieved 6 September 2014 .
^ Mitchell, Jonathan (26 September 2014). "Aidan in Morton exit" . Greenock Telegraph. Retrieved 26 September 2014 .
^ "Morton striker joins BSC on loan" . 2 October 2014.
^ "William Hill Scottish Cup Third Round ties confirmed" . Scottish Football Association. 6 October 2014.
^ "Scottish FA Youth Cup 2014/15 | Third Round Draw" . Scottish Football Association. 6 October 2014.
^ "Morton futures: The week's highlights" . Greenock Telegraph. 9 October 2014. Retrieved 9 October 2014 .
^ "Scottish FA Youth Cup 2014/15 - R4 Draw" . Youth Football Scotland. 5 November 2014. Retrieved 6 November 2014 .
^ Mitchell, Jonathan (15 November 2014). "Morton teens sign 18-month deals" . Greenock Telegraph. Retrieved 15 November 2014 .
^ Mitchell, Jonathan (3 December 2014). "Ex-Morton star believes there's no shame in losing to Spartans" . Greenock Telegraph. Retrieved 9 December 2014 .
^ Mitchell, Jonathan (6 December 2014). "Nine-man Ton slip to fourth after Stranraer loss" . Greenock Telegraph. Retrieved 9 December 2014 .
^ Mitchell, Jonathan (8 December 2014). "Morton Under-20s lose in cup shootout" . Greenock Telegraph. Retrieved 9 December 2014 .
^ a b "Duffy wins League 1 award" . Scottish Professional Football League. 9 December 2014. Archived from the original on 30 April 2018. Retrieved 9 December 2014 .
^ "Contract extensions" . Greenock Morton F.C. 30 December 2014. Retrieved 31 December 2014 .
^ Mitchell, Jonathan (8 January 2015). "Hands off as midfielder leaves Cappielow" . Greenock Telegraph. Retrieved 8 January 2015 .
^ "Friday signings round-up" . Scottish Professional Football League. 9 January 2015. Retrieved 10 January 2015 .
^ "Player News - Andrew Barrowman" . Greenock Morton F.C. 13 January 2015. Archived from the original on 24 July 2015. Retrieved 13 January 2015 .
^ Mitchell, Jonathan (14 January 2015). "Morton sign Dunfermline midfielder" . Greenock Telegraph. Retrieved 14 January 2015 .
^ Mitchell, Jonathan (15 January 2015). "Morton striker nets a contract extension" . Greenock Telegraph. Retrieved 15 January 2015 .
^ Steele, Russell (9 January 2015). "PREVIEW: Stenhousemuir v Morton" . Greenock Telegraph. Retrieved 18 January 2015 .
^ "David Hopkin joins coaching staff" . Livingston F.C. 20 January 2015. Retrieved 20 January 2015 .
^ Mitchell, Jonathan (22 January 2015). "Tidser seals Morton return" . Greenock Telegraph. Retrieved 22 January 2015 .
^ -Mitchell, Jonathan (23 January 2015). "Tidser transfer hits red tape" . Greenock Telegraph. Retrieved 23 January 2015 .
^ Mitchell, Jonathan (2 February 2015). "McManus makes deadline-busting Morton return" . Greenock Telegraph. Retrieved 3 February 2015 .
^ Mitchell, Jonathan (16 February 2015). "Morton striker MacDonald to go under the knife" . Greenock Telegraph. Retrieved 16 February 2015 .
^ Mitchell, Jonathan (24 February 2015). "McCann interests Morton boss" . Greenock Telegraph. Retrieved 25 February 2015 .
^ Mitchell, Jonathan (20 February 2015). "Morton youngsters in loan moves to Junior ranks" . Greenock Telegraph. Retrieved 20 February 2015 .
^ Mitchell, Jonathan (7 March 2015). "Morton duo get chance in Junior ranks" . Greenock Telegraph. Retrieved 7 March 2015 .
^ Pews, Gary (13 March 2015). "PREVIEW: Port Glasgow v Vale of Leven" . Greenock Telegraph. Retrieved 14 March 2015 .
^ "Mark set for new Morton deal talks" . Greenock Telegraph. 31 March 2015. Retrieved 31 March 2015 .
^ Mitchell, Jonathan (22 April 2015). "Morton striker nominated for League One Player of the Year" . Greenock Telegraph. Retrieved 22 April 2015 .
^ Mitchell, Jonathan. "Morton Under-17s save best for last" . Greenock Telegraph.
^ "PFA Scotland Teams of the Year" . Scottish Professional Football League. 1 May 2015. Archived from the original on 18 May 2015. Retrieved 2 May 2015 .
^ "Morton are League 1 Champions" . Scottish Professional Football League. 2 May 2015. Retrieved 3 May 2015 .
^ "PFA Scotland award winners" . Scottish Professional Football League. 4 May 2015. Retrieved 4 May 2015 .
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