FM 07 - Greenock Morton

[st.cronin]

Greenock Morton is a 2nd division Scottish Club. Scotland's leagues stack like this:

Scottish Premier
1st Division
2nd Division

Our club is picked to finish 1st in our division (I believe they were just recently relegated).

I have also made the EPL playable, as well as the top leagues in Italy and France.

Our Stadium is Cappielow Park, in Greenock, capacity 11612 (5741 seated). We have average training facilities, and adequate youth facilities.

[st.cronin]

Transfer budget: 50.75K Euros
Payroll budget: 725K Euros/year

I'm told that our best prospect is an AMR named Gareth Caldwell. His stats don't look that impressive to me, but he's only 16.

My assistant, Martin Clark, tells me my top 11 is:

David McGurn, GK, 25 - Jumping (16), Kicking (16), Rushing Out (15) - I agree he's the top goaltender on the team. He has some glaring holes in his game, though. His back-up, Paul Mathers, is 36 years old, and looks ok.

Peter Weatherson, DRC, ST, 26 - Penalty Taking (17), Free Kicks (16), Jumping (16), Teamwork (16) - Looks to be one of the better athletes on the team, and a versatile guy - he's got the skills to play fullback, centerback, or play as a target man up front. Should be a beast on set pieces.

Craig Black, DRL, 18 - Bravery (14), Teamwork (12), Tackling (12) - He's young enough to improve, but I need a left fullback badly.

Ryan Harding, DC, 22 - Influence (14), Work Rate (14), Long Throws (13), Marking (13), Pace (13) - Solid centerback, good marks in all the right areas.

Stewart Greacen, DC, 24 - Determination (17), Influence (16), Work Rate (15), Stamina (15), Bravery (15) - Another solid centerback, and a leader to boot.

Jamie Stevenson, AMRC, FC, 21 - Pace (15), Acceleration (15), Flair (15) - Pacey winger type, also has some good defensive skills, which I value.

Jim McAllister, WB L, AMRL, 20 - Stamina (20), Work Rate (17), Flair (17), Long Throws (17) - Depending on what I find via transfer/loan, he may end up at left fullback. He has an odd collection of abilities. At any rate, my left side is my weak side right now.

Alex Walker, DR, DM, 22 - Tackling (15), Aggression (14), Determination (13), Natural Fitness (13) - Not sure I agree with this assessment. He looks ok as a DM, but I've also got ...

Scott McLaughlin, DM, 22 - Natural Fitness (16), Work Rate (15), Stamina (14) - Both of these guys are pretty interchangeable. I tried playing with two DMs once in the previous version of FM, and found it to be a tough lineup to make work. I don't see playing both these guys, and frankly NEITHER one is really what I look for in a DM.

Paul McGowan, AMRC, FC, 18 (on loan from Celtic) - Strength (16), Anticipation (16), Flair (15) - The highest valued player on the squad. The most likely spot for him is at striker, but I don't feel compelled to play him.

Bobby Linn, ST, 20 - Pace (17), Finishing (14), Natural Fitness (13) - A tiny, quick goal scorer.

Top Backups

Chris Millar, AMRC, 22 - Long Throws (18), Determination (17), Flair (14) - Could break into the lineup as an AMC.

Paul Mathers, GK, 36 - Stamina (13), Acceleration (12), Positioning (11)

Ryan Russell, AML, 19 - Determination (17), Dribbling, (14), Technique (14) - Also could break into the starting lineup, depending on what I can find for the left side via transfer/loan.

Chris Templemann, ST, 26 - Flair (20), Determination (16), Free Kicks (15), Bravery (15), Strength (15) - Interesting mix of abilities. Could be a decent option, but he's awful slow.

Dean Keenan, D RLC, DM, 20 - Determination (18), Work Rate (15), Teamwork (14) - Strictly an emergency option.

Kenny McLean, AM R, ST, 21 - Pace (17), Balance (14), Finishing (13) - In the right lineup he looks like he could be an ok goal scorer. Very poor creativity, decisions, and composure.

Team needs - Goalkeeper, Left Fullback, Defensive Midfielder

[Toddzilla]

Excellent start! I've been managing Peterhead since FM05, so I'm familiar with Scottish Football. It'll be fun after you get Morton promoted to the SPL, as the Old Firm is a staircase above the rest of the league.

FWIW, Hearts has a deal with a Lithuanian side, and have a bunch of guys on loan form there. Some of them are quite good and amenable to sign elsewhere when their loans run out - keep your eyes open!

[st.cronin]

Also on my roster are two injured players:

Kevin Finlayson, WB R, AM R, 26 - Work Rate (20), Natural Fitness (16), Teamwork (15) - Out 1 to 2 months with a groin injury. Will likely be a backup when he returns.

David MacGregor, DLC, 25 - Teamwork (14), Work Rate (14), Stamina (14), Natural Fitness (14) - Would be a decent option at DL if he were healthy. Is out 2 to 3 months with a groin injury.

[st.cronin]

I go with a diamond formation, a 4-1-2-1-2. In the friendlies, I generally play very basic and conservative strategy, trying to get the players in shape and get a feel for what each player looks like on the pitch.

July 5, Friendly: Rangers Reserves @ Greenock Morton

2-2 draw. Jamie Stevenson breaks a foot, and is out for 3-5 months. That's a blow, I was counting on him to lead from the wing.

July 9, Friendly: Huddersfield @ Greenock Morton

2-1 victory. Team morale is mostly good, with the exception of a couple of reserve squadders. A couple of teams have inquired about Peter Weatherson, and I've told them to sod off.

July 12, Friendly: Watford @ Greenock Morton

We get whipped pretty good by an EPL club, and lose 1-3. I do not consider this a big deal at all.

July 15, Friendly: Greenock Morton @ Barnet

A 1-0 win. We have arranged a deal with Rangers, serving as a feeder club for them. The first result of this is that 20 year old GK Lee Robinson has been loaned out to us. He looks like our #1 goaltender.

July 21, Friendly: Rotherham @ Greenock Morton

Our final friendly is a 2-1 loss.

[st.cronin]

A look at our loaner goalkeeper:

Lee Robinson, 20 - Eccentricity (16), Bravery (16), Rushing Out (14) - He looks like he'll be good. Weakest goaltending attribute is Throwing (7).

[st.cronin]

We are listed as 4-6 favorites for promotion. I haven't really looked too hard at the other teams, so I don't know how realistic that is. Scottish 2nd Division has 10 teams, top team gets promoted, 2-4 spots go to a playoff for promotion.

August 1 - Peter Weatherson is out 2-4 weeks with a pulled hammy, suffered during training. Bloody heck.

August 5, Second Division, Greenock Morton @ Forfar

We are 1-2 favorites, despite being the road team. Our lineup:

GK: Lee Robinson
DL: Craig Black
DC: Stewart Graecan (C)
DC: Ryan Harding
DR: Dean Keenan
DMC: Scott McLaughlin
ML: Jim McAllister
MR: Kenny McLean
AMC: Chris Millar
FC: Paul McGowan
FC: Bobby Linn

My approach is mostly to tweak individual instructions, rather than team instructions, and then go in during the match and try to fix whatever is not working. We're in our diamond, they come out in a 4-4-2.

Bobby Linn assists to Millar for our first goal, in the 5th minute. In the 33rd minute, Linn gets his own goal, on a run starting from midfield. Of course, in the 45th minute, he goes out with an injury - Forfar's been playing a tough, physical game, knocking us down at every chance. In the 57th minute, Millar puts a free kick in, giving us a 3-0 lead. I switch to a 4-2-3-1 double DM setting to close the door.

Final score: Morton 3, Forfar 0

Some match stats:

Forfar actually controlled time of possession 54-46.
Forfar also completed more passes (67%-64%) and crosses (43%-35%).
Chris Millar, with 2 goals, was MoM, and received a 9 rating.

[st.cronin]

Bobby Linn has a concussion, and will be out 4 days to 2 weeks. We're going to be a little thin up front for a bit.

[David Murray]

I`m from Kilmarnock...about 30 miles from Greenock.

Greenock is a delapidated ship-building town and officially the wettest place on earth. The away fans are made to sit on open, benched, terraces [you might call them bleachers] during unceasing downpours. The toilets are from the 3rd world, the food consists of gristle and grease and the natives are unfriendly.

Morton actually used to be top division regulars, but have fallen away to lower league ignominy in recent years. They did manage to beat my beloved Killie in the cup last year though :-(

Just a little bit of colour for you as you start your "dynasty" ;-)

[st.cronin]

awesome

[st.cronin]

August 8, League Cup 1st Round Greenock Morton @ Raith

We are listed as 1-3 favorites against Raith, another 2nd division squad.

GK: David McGurn
DL: David McGarrigle (from the youth team - Craig Black out with minor injury)
DC: Stewart Graecen (C)
DC: Ryan Harding
DR: Dean Keenan
DMC: Alex Walker
ML: Ryan Russell
MR: Jim McAlister
AMC: Chris Millar
FC: Paul McGowan
FC: Chris Templemann

1st half is just ugly. Raith holds possession 51-49, we complete only 57% of our passes, only 22% of our crosses, and manage only one shot on goal (Raith only manages 1 as well). Keenan picks up a yellow card and gets subbed at the 45 minute mark. My back line is desperately thin - I've made a bunch of transfer/loan offers, but nothing has developed yet.

In the 2nd half, I eventually find the sweet spot for the passing settings, and we start to generate some chances in the last 15 minutes. No goals scored, though, and it goes to extra time. I've used all 3 of my subs, so hopefully nothing bad happens.

Kenny McLean, who came on at right wing around the 58th minute, finds McGowan unmarked for our 1st goal in extra time. McLean has been a monster, creating numerous chances since coming on.

Raith levels up with a weird goal, that ricochets off Graecen and ends up scored an own goal on our keeper McGurn.

The match goes to penalty kicks, which we win 3-2.

Final score: Morton 1, Raith 1 (Morton advances on penalty kicks)

Chris Millar is once again the MoM - he made the clinching penalty kick.

[st.cronin]

Just going by player ability, I should have won that match easily. But I spent a good part of the match dicking around with some funky strategies, and wasn't really able to mount an effective attack until almost the end of the regulation.

[st.cronin]

Irishman Billy Dennehy, 19, has been signed from Sunderland. He is an AML, which is an area of need for us. This will allow McAlister to drop back and play left back, and just generally shore up the left side of the pitch. Dennehy's key stats: Flair (16), Teamwork (14), Passing (13).

Englishman Gari Rowntree, 19, has been acquired from Blackburn. He's a D RL, and will provide at least some depth at those spots. His key stats: Teamwork (17), Determination (15), Influence (15).

[st.cronin]

August 12, Second Division Stirling @ Greenock Morton

We are 1-2 favorites for our home opener.

GK: Lee Robinson
DL: Jim McAlister
DC: Stewart Graecen (C)
DC: Ryan Harding
DR: Dean Keenan
DMC: Scott McLaughlin
ML: Billy Dennehy
MR: Kenny McLean
AMC: Chris Millar
FC: Paul McGowan
FC: Chris Templemann

Millar finds Templemann with a long pass for our first goal in the 13th minute. Templemann scores a goofy 2nd goal in the 22nd, when Harding lobs the ball into the box off of McGowan's head onto the pitch. Millar scores Morton's 3rd goal on a long run from just past midfield. We get a 4th goal on a freekick by Millar. Stirling gets a goal in the 2nd half, but that's ok.

Final score: Morton 4, Stirling 1

My front 3, Millar, Templemann, and McGowan, are all given match ratings of 9. Templemann is MoM with 2 goals.

Some game stats:

Possession goes to us 57-43.
Shots on goal (on target): 20 (12) for us, 4 (1) for them.

Attendance was 3006. Hope to see that number go up. Weather was dry, 57 degrees F.

[st.cronin]

Apparently our team's nickname is "The Ton." I like it.

[st.cronin]

We've added Rangers' 17 year old DRC Jordan McMillan on loan. He's a Scot, and should enter our rotation immediately. Key stats: Jumping (19), Bravery (17), Strength (17).

[st.cronin]

August 16, Scottish Challenge Cup, Ross County @ Greenock Morton

We are 6-4 favorites against a 1st division squad. This is easily the best team we've played yet, though, and I'm not so sure of those odds.

GK: David McGurn
DL: Gari Rowntree (came in as a sub in the last game, looked ok)
DC: Jordan McMillen (making his debut)
DC: Stewart Graecen (C) (has been my best player on the back line)
DR: Alex Walker (normally plays DMC, starting here to get some pt)
ML: Ryan Russell
MR: Kenny McLean
AMC: Chris Millar
FC: Paul McGowan
FC: Chris Templemann

We give up an early goal on a throw in to the head of centerback James Smith. In the 34th minute, Templemann finds himself in the corner, and makes a pinpoint pass to McGowan in the box for the equalizer.

In the 2nd half, we get a great chance in the 49th minute, but McGowan sends it too high. They get a second goal from Michael Gardyne, and a 3rd goal on a freekick.

Final score: Ross County 3, Morton 1

GK McGurn and DR Walker earn match ratings of 5. I keep my post match talk upbeat, as I'm not really concerned with winning any Cups, I'm focused on promotion.

New DC Jordan McMillan was actually the MoM, but only played the first half.

Attendance: 2020
Weather: Dry, 64 F

[st.cronin]

18 year old Scottish MC Paul Emslie has joined the squad on loan. Key stats: Free Kicks (18), Passing (14), Creativity (13) I'm not sure what I'm going to do with him - I may work him out at DM, and also use him to spell Millar up front.

[st.cronin]

August 19, Second Division: Ayr @ Greenock Morton

We are 1-10 favorites. Eep.

GK: Lee Robinson
DL: Dean Keenan (his first start at left back)
DC: Stewart Greacen (C)
DC: Ryan Harding
DR: Jordan McMillan
DMC: Scott McLaughlin
ML: Billy Dennehy
MR: Kenny McLean
AMC: Chris Millar
FC: Bobby Linn (recovered from his concussion)
FC: Paul McGowan

McLean makes a long cross-court pass to Dennehy, unmarked, for our first goal in the 13th minute. In the 24th minute, Greacen plays a long ball for McGowan, who beats his defender and scores our second goal. Bobby Linn scores a goal, but then has to come off with an injury. Templeman bangs in a penalty shot for a 4-0 halftime lead. Ayr does get 2 goals in the second half.

Final score: Morton 4, Ayr 2

Man of the Match: Ryan Harding, Morton Centerback.

Obviously we dominated play in the first half, and let them back in a bit in the second half. I didn't adjust my tactics at all, whereas they did, but 4 goals up I was never sweating. Paul Emslie made his debut, coming on at halftime, and played ok.

[Toddzilla]

I didn't notice before - are you using 2 different sets of tactics for home and away? It can be pretty helpful.

Something else I noticed to be helpful for me when I start out with a lower league club - I let all of the coaches go and start from scratch. I try to find a good all around guy for my assistant manager, then I hire as many coaches as by board allows making sure they are very specialized to target training. For example, I'll get a guy who is a 17-20 in tactics and not care what everything else is. If you are limited to just a few coaches, they'll have to be more broadly talented obviously.

[st.cronin]

Originally Posted by Toddzilla

I didn't notice before - are you using 2 different sets of tactics for home and away? It can be pretty helpful.

Something else I noticed to be helpful for me when I start out with a lower league club - I let all of the coaches go and start from scratch. I try to find a good all around guy for my assistant manager, then I hire as many coaches as by board allows making sure they are very specialized to target training. For example, I'll get a guy who is a 17-20 in tactics and not care what everything else is. If you are limited to just a few coaches, they'll have to be more broadly talented obviously.

Here's my tactical talk:

I use one generic tactic (diamond attacking), and then when I get to the match I tweak the individual instructions, partly based on home and away, partly based on opposition personnel, partly based on odds, but mostly based on what the individual player can do. Then I'll change the team tactics, things like "defensive line" and "width" so I don't have any gaps. I watch the match, and if something is going bad I'll go back in and change it. If I fall behind in the second half, I adjust. If I am ahead in the second half, I adjust. I monkey a lot with the individual opposition instructions, closing down on bad ballhandlers, and hard tackling guys that lack courage.

[Izulde]

I should be using some of this advice in this thread if I survive the relegation fight.

[st.cronin]

August 22, Scottish League Cup, 2nd Round: Motherwell @ Greenock Morton

For the first time, we are dogs, drawing a Premier squad in the 2nd round.

GK: David McGurn
DL: Jim McAlister
DC: Stewart Greacen (C)
DC: Ryan Harding
DR: Jordan McMillan
DMC: Scott McLaughlin
ML: Ryan Russell
MR: Chris Millar (moved from his usual AMC spot)
AMC: Paul Emslie
FC: Chris Templeman
FC: Paul McGowan

18 seconds in, their forward intercepts a bad back line pass and scores a goal. We get one back on a fine pass from McGowan to Templeman in the 18th minute.

A surprisingly even match goes to extra time 1-1. I switch to a 4-3-3, putting Dennehy and Millar on the top line, now I want this game! C'mon lads, we need just one more goal!

Both teams have several dangerous chances in extra time, but it goes to a shootout, which we lose 3-2. A brave effort!

Final Score: Motherwell, 1, Morton 1 (Motherwell advances on penalties)

Motherwell controlled possession 53-47, but after their first goal, didn't have a single shot on target. I was very pleased with our effort.

Morton Centerback Stew Greacen earned the MoM.

[st.cronin]

August 26, 2nd Division: Greenock Morton @ Peterhead

We are 1-4 favorites.

GK: Lee Robinson
DL: Jim McAlister
DC: Ryan Harding
DC: Stewart Greacen (C)
DR: Jordan McMillan
DMC: Scott McLaughlin
ML: Billy Dennehy
MR: Kenny McLean
AMC: Chris Millar
FC: Paul McGowan
FC: Chris Templeman

Another easy 2nd division match, we win going away. 2 goals from MoM McGowan, including one late when we go a man down, due to injuries to Dennehy and McLean.

Final Score: Morton 4, Peterhead 0

[st.cronin]

We're off to a good start, obviously:

Holders - Gretna






| Pos   | Inf   | Team        |       | Pld   | Won   | Drn   | Lst   | For   | Ag    | G.D.  | Pts   | 
| ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| 
| 1st   |       | Morton      |       | 4     | 4     | 0     | 0     | 15    | 3     | +12   | 12    | 
| ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| 
| 2nd   |       | Cowdenbeath |       | 4     | 2     | 2     | 0     | 4     | 2     | +2    | 8     | 
| ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| 
| 3rd   |       | Stirling    |       | 4     | 2     | 1     | 1     | 11    | 8     | +3    | 7     | 
| ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| 
| 4th   |       | Alloa       |       | 4     | 2     | 0     | 2     | 5     | 4     | +1    | 6     | 
| ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| 
| 5th   |       | Forfar      |       | 4     | 2     | 0     | 2     | 4     | 8     | -4    | 6     | 
| ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| 
| 6th   |       | Brechin     |       | 4     | 1     | 2     | 1     | 7     | 5     | +2    | 5     | 
| ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| 
| 7th   |       | Raith       |       | 4     | 1     | 2     | 1     | 4     | 4     | 0     | 5     | 
| ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| 
| 8th   |       | Stranraer   |       | 4     | 1     | 1     | 2     | 4     | 4     | 0     | 4     | 
| ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| 
| 9th   |       | Peterhead   |       | 4     | 1     | 0     | 3     | 4     | 10    | -6    | 3     | 
| ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| 
| 10th  |       | Ayr         |       | 4     | 0     | 0     | 4     | 5     | 15    | -10   | 0     | 
| ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| 
|       |       |             |       |       |       |       |       |       |       |       |       | 
| ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| 

[st.cronin]

We have made our final loan of the season, for 20 year old Scottish WB/AM L William Easton (from Dundee Utd). His key stats: Corners (17), Aggression (17), Flair (16), Teamwork (16)

Also on transfer deadline day we add another Centerback, 19 year old Englishman Martin Riley. Key stats: Jumping (14), Balance (13), Pace (13)

[st.cronin]

For August, Paul McGowan is the Scottish 2nd Division Player of the Month (Chris Millar came in second), and Sean Treacy (yours truly) is the Scottish 2nd Division Coach of the Month.

Since the transfer window has closed, my roster is pretty much finalized. Here's a rundown:

(name, position, nationality, height, weight, age, value in euros)

Stefan Gonet, GK, SCO, 6'3", 182 lbs, 24, €2K - Loaned out to Clydesbank this year, probably won't get resigned.

Paul Mathers, GK, SCO, 6'0", 176 lbs, 36, €2K - Has played well with the reserves. Very unlikely to get resigned.

David McGurn, GK, SCO, 6'1", 185 lbs, 25, €2K - Has played ok as a backup. He's a player/coach, so I'd like to keep him around. |

Gary Milne, GK, SCO, 5'10", 165 lbs, 16, - - Generic young goalie, doesn't appear to be anything special.

Lee Robinson, GK, ENG, 5'10", 169 lbs, 20, €35K - Has played well, and if I can get him signed from Rangers I'll be thrilled. Would I still be playing in the Cups if I had used him instead of McGurn?

Alan Soutar, GK, SCO, 6'2", 198 lbs, 16, - - No-prospect.

Craig Black, D RL, SCO, 5'8\", 154 lbs, 18, €2K - Hadn't impressed me before he hurt his ankle. His contract runs through 2009.

Matt Lee, D R, ENG, 6'0", 176 lbs, 27, €2K - Has been a regular with the reserves. On contract through 2008, but isn't likely to get any first team time.

Jordan McMillan, D RC, SCO, 6'0", 171 lbs, 17, €40K - Has played very well since coming down from Rangers. A solid member of the first team.

Gari Rowntree, D RL, ENG, 5'8", 165 lbs, 19, €10K - Joined us via transfer from Blackburn. Didn't get a chance to do much before hurting his knee. Signed through '09.

Dean Keenan, D RLC, DM, SCO, 5'11", 163 lbs, 20, €2K - Has been a versatile, solid player for us. Signed through 2008.

Alex Walker, D R, DM, SCO, 6'0", 171 lbs, 22, €5K - I originally envisioned him splitting time at DM, but he hasn't done much, and has pretty much been a 2nd stringer.

Peter Weatherson, D RC, ST, ENG, 6'0", 171 lbs, 26, €8K - Has been injured, and hasn't had a chance to play. When healthy, he'll probably be our best player. Signed through 2008.

David MacGregor, D LC, SCO, 5'11", 171 lbs, 25, 2K - Another guy that's been out all year with injury. About a month away from seeing the field. Signed through 2009.

David MacLeod, D LC, SCO, 5'8", 158 lbs, 17, €2K - He's been loaned out to Tharg's Thistle. Probably not in my plans.


Martyn Cameron, D C, SCO, 5'10", 165 lbs, 16 - Generic U18 player, no prospect.

Alan Gilbride, D C, SCO, 5'9", 163 lbs, 18, €2K - Has been on loan at Tharg's Thistle. Doesn't look like much of a player.

Stewart Greacen, D C, SCO, 6'2", 194 lbs, 24, €20K - One of the rocks on my back line, has been consistently great.

Ryan Harding, D C, SCO, 6'3", 189 lbs, 22, €7K - Him and Greacen have started almost every game at DC, and both have been fantastic. Harding is signed through 2008.

David McGarrigle, D C, SCO, 5'11", 165 lbs, 16, - - Ok looking young defenseman. I've been trying to train him to DL, but with not much success yet.

Martin Riley, D C, ENG, 5'11", 176 lbs, 19, €1K - Just arrived, hasn't had a chance to make an impact.


Kevin Finlayson, WB R, AM R, SCO, 5'9", 154 lbs, 26, €6K - Almost back from his injury. Probably destined for the reserves for the remainder of the year.

Jim McAlister, WB L, AM RL, SCO, 5'10", 169 lbs, 20, €26K - Has played very well at both DL and ML. Far and away my best athlete. Signed through 2009.

William Easton, WB/AM L, SCO, 5'7", 158 lbs, 20, €60K - Just arrived via loan. Should shore up the left side.

Scott McKellar, DM, SCO, 6'0", 191 lbs, 19, €2K - On loan at Tharg's Thistle. Not too impressive.

Scott McLaughlin, DM, SCO, 5'8", 149 lbs, 22, €22K - Has nailed down the DM spot, and has played well. Signed through 2008.

Gary Loughran, DM, AM C, SCO, 5'5", 141 lbs, 17, €2K - Little guy, has been a regular on the reserves squad, and made a couple of appearances with the main team. Not really a prospect.

Craig McArthur, M R, SCO, 6'0", 185 lbs, 16, - - No real prospect, being re-trained as a D R.

Jack Reilly, M L, SCO, 5'9", 167 lbs, 16, - - Ok looking prospect, probably nothing special.

Coll Brodie, M C, SCO, 5'8", 163 lbs, 16, - - No prospect.

William Crawford, M C, SCO, 6'0", 185 lbs, 16, - - No prospect.

Paul Emslie, M C, SCO. 5'11", 176 lbs, 18, €45K - On loan from Rangers. I need to find a way to get him on the pitch - rated 19 in free kicks.

Steve Wallace, M C, AIA, 6'0", 189 lbs, 18, - - Signed for the reserves, through 2009.

Gareth Caldwell, AM R, SCO, 5'8", 163 lbs, 16, - - Supposedly my best prospect. I'm not seeing it.

Chris Millar, AM RC, SCO, 5'9", 152 lbs, 23, €12K - Has dominated the 2nd division, 4 goals and 3 assists through 4 league matches. Signed through 2009.

Paul McGowan, AM RC, F C, SCO, 5'10", 167 lbs, 18, €170K - 3 goals, 4 assists in the 4 league matches. On loan from Celtic. Probably not realistic, but my staff keeps urging me to find a way to keep him.

Jamie Stevenson, AM RC, F C, SCO, 5'9", 156 lbs, 22, €14K - Projected to be my main right winger, then broke his foot. Will have to fight to get his job back.

Michael Fulton, AM RL, ST, SCO, 5'8", 154 lbs, 22, €2K - On loan at Tharg's Thistle.

Kenny McLean, AM R, ST, SCO, 5'0", 121 lbs, 21, €2K - Tiny guy, had played well before breaking his ankle.

Billy Dennehy, AM L, IRL, 5'10", 167 lbs, 19, €1K - Picked up via transfer early in the season, filled in on the left side. Has some decent skills, but likely to spend some time on the reserves from here out. Signed through 2009.

Ryan Russell, AM L, SCO, 5'9", 154 lbs, 19, €8K - Pacey winger, hasn't done much in his time with the first team.

Brian Graham, ST, SCO, 6'1", 180 lbs, 19, €4K - Could be a decent target man, as he's an outrageous leaper. Technical abilities need a lot of work.

Bobby Linn, ST, SCO, 5'8", 143 lbs, 20, €9K - Hasn't been able to stay healthy, but really impressed me when he was on the pitch.

Chris Templeman, ST, SCO, 6'5", 207 lbs, 26, €10K - Scored 4 goals in 2 league matches. Signed through 2008. A big guy, but also fast.

[st.cronin]

Ack! A rash of injuries strikes. Billy Dennehy tears a hammy, out 2-3 months. Peter Weatherson's bad luck continues, as he breaks an ankle, also out 2-3 months. And Lee Robinson stubs a finger, off to a specialist to be re-evaluated.

[st.cronin]

September 9, 2nd Division: Raith @ Greenock Morton

We are 1-6 favorites.

GK: David McGurn (Robinson's injury is apparently not serious - he's out for 5 days)
DL: Jim McAlister
DC: Jordan McKinney
DC: Ryan Harding (C) (Stew Greacen gets the day off)
DR: Alex Walker
DMC: Scott McLaughlin
ML: William Easton (making his first start)
MR: Paul McGowan
AMC: Chris Millar
FC: Chris Templeman
FC: Brian Graham

We give up a goal on a corner to defender Marvin Andrews in the 25th minute, and are down for the first time in league competition. We get one back on a corner of our own in the 45th minute, Ryan Harding's first goal of the season.

Emslie, free kick specialist, comes on in the second half, and gets a good angle for a short free kick - but misses horribly. In the 90th minute, they get another bloody goal from Andrews, cheating way up.

Final Score: Raith 2, Morton 1

We control possession by 57-43, but only manage two shots on target.

[st.cronin]

September 16, 2nd Division: Greenock Morton @ Alloa

Alloa's in 7th place. We are 1-4 favorites.

GK: Lee Robinson
DL: Dean Keenan (1st start in some time)
DC: Stewart Greacen (C)
DC: Ryan Harding
DR: Jordan McMillan
DMC: Scott McLaughlin
ML: Jim McAlister
MR: Chris Millar
AMC: Paul Emslie
FC: Paul McGowan
FC: Chris Templeman

1st Half: Back to our normal domination, as Templeman and McGowan score 2 goals each, and McAlister adds a 5th. I had made some adjustments to my crossing strategy, and it payed off big time.

Final score: Morton 5, Alloa 0
MoM: Chris Templeman

[st.cronin]

September 20, 2nd Division: Brechin @ Greenock Morton

Brechin is in 7th place. We are 2-5 favorites.

GK: Lee Robinson
DL: Dean Keenan
DC: Stewart Greacen (C)
DC: Ryan Harding
DR: Jordan McMillan
DMC: Scott McLaughlin
ML: Jim McAlister
MR: Chris Millar
AMC: Paul Emslie
FC: Paul McGowan
FC: Chris Templeman

Same lineup as last game. Scott McLaughlin gets his first goal of the year on a long strike in the first half. Paul McGowan scores in the second half.

Final Score: Morton 2, Brechin 0
MoM: Paul McGowan
Weather: 46 F, Dry
Attendance: 2703

[st.cronin]

Speeding things up a little bit, September plays out like this:

@ Cowdenbeath: Loss, 0-1
vs. Stanrear: Win, 3-0

My offense seems to stagnate whenever Emslie is at AMC, so again I'm not sure what to do with him. Maybe train him as a striker? He doesn't really have the skills for that position, but all my guys seem to do well there when Millar is at AMC.

League standings:

| Pos   | Inf   | Team        |       | Pld   | Won   | Drn   | Lst   | For   | Ag    | G.D.  | Pts   | 
| ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| 
| 1st   |       | Morton      |       | 9     | 7     | 0     | 2     | 26    | 6     | +20   | 21    | 
| ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| 
| 2nd   |       | Cowdenbeath |       | 9     | 6     | 3     | 0     | 13    | 5     | +8    | 21    | 
| ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| 
| 3rd   |       | Raith       |       | 9     | 6     | 2     | 1     | 18    | 8     | +10   | 20    | 
| ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| 
| 4th   |       | Stirling    |       | 9     | 6     | 1     | 2     | 20    | 11    | +9    | 19    | 
| ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| 
| 5th   |       | Forfar      |       | 9     | 3     | 2     | 4     | 9     | 13    | -4    | 11    | 
| ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| 
| 6th   |       | Brechin     |       | 9     | 2     | 3     | 4     | 10    | 12    | -2    | 9     | 
| ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| 
| 7th   |       | Alloa       |       | 9     | 2     | 1     | 6     | 8     | 21    | -13   | 7     | 
| ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| 
| 8th   |       | Stranraer   |       | 9     | 1     | 3     | 5     | 10    | 16    | -6    | 6     | 
| ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| 
| 9th   |       | Peterhead   |       | 9     | 2     | 0     | 7     | 10    | 19    | -9    | 6     | 
| ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| 
| 10th  |       | Ayr         |       | 9     | 1     | 3     | 5     | 13    | 26    | -13   | 6     | 
| ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| 
|       |       |             |       |       |       |       |       |       |       |       |       | 
| ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| 

Currently tied with Cowdenbeath for 1st.

Some team history from Wikipedia:

Morton's greatest success came in April 1922 when they defeated Rangers 1-0 in the Scottish Cup Final. Jimmy Gourlay scored the winning goal, direct from a free kick in the 11th minute. Strangely the Greenock public were denied the chance to celebrate with their triumphant heroes as straight after the match Morton boarded a train for Hartlepool to play the local side in a pre-arranged friendly match. The celebrations were delayed until the Wednesday when 10,000 locals turned out at Cappielow Park to celebrate.

Morton have made two other major cup final appearances. On Saturday 17 April 1948 Morton drew 1-1 with Rangers in the Scottish Cup Final. Morton's goal was a free kick scored by Jimmy White. The match was replayed on Wednesday 21 April 1948. This time Rangers won 1-0 after extra time. The goal was said to be highly controversial because it was claimed that Morton goalkeeper Jimmy Cowan was blinded by the flash of a camera. These matches were significant because of the huge crowds they attracted. The first match was played in front of 131,629; the replay in front of 133,629 ( At the time a British record attendance for a midweek match). It has been said that Greenock was empty on these two days. Morton's third and final major cup final to date was in the Scottish League Cup and this was played on Saturday 26 October 1963 when Rangers (who Morton have faced in all three final appearances) won by 5 goals to nil (HT: 0-0) in front of 103,000 supporters. However this was no disgrace as Morton were then a Second Division Club (The predecessor to todays Scottish First Division).

During the Second World War 'guest' players were common at clubs throughout Great Britain. Morton were particularly fortunate in this respect in that two of English football's greatest ever players turned out at Cappielow. Sir Stanley Matthews and Tommy Lawton made several guest appearances for Morton. When Morton reached the 1948 Scottish Cup Final both players sent telegrams wishing goodluck to their former club. Matthews simply said 'I am delighted to see Morton reach the final of the Scottish Cup'. Lawton's was more expressive, he said 'Memories of happy days during the war at Cappielow compel me to wish the Morton manager & the boys all the best of luck in their cup final at Hampden'.

To date Morton have only played in a European Club Competition once. After finishing 6th in Scotland's top division in 1967/68 Morton qualified for the Inter-Cities Fairs Cup (now the UEFA Cup). They were drawn to play Chelsea F.C. but were eliminated at the first hurdle after a 5-0 defeat at Stamford Bridge and a 4-3 defeat at Cappielow.

In 1992-93 (13 December 1992) Morton lost 3-2 to Hamilton Academicals in the B & Q Cup Final (now the Challenge Cup) in front of 7391 fans. This cup final appearance is not as prestigious as the aforementioned Cup final appearances because this competition is only competed for by clubs outwith the Scottish Premier Division / Scottish Premier League. The final was played at Love Street, the home of Morton's arch rivals St. Mirren.

The club hit a terrible period of financial distress in 2001. This culminated in the team being relegated from the First Division at the end of the 2000/01 season after a 6-year stay. Furthermore, the club slid into administration. The club's financial problems continued to affect its progress on-the-field, as the team struggled to adapt to life in the Second Division. A 4-0 defeat at Queen of the South on April 27, 2002 confirmed back-to-back relegations for Morton.

In season 2002-03, the team found themselves playing in the Third Division for the first time ever. The club's financial situation was resolved by the takeover by current chairman Douglas Rae, and the team discovered some success at this level. A season-long challenge for promotion culminated in a 1-0 victory over Peterhead securing the Third Division championship at the first opportunity, in front of a Third Division record crowd of 8497 fans.

Also in the 2002-03 season, chairman Douglas Rae appointed John "Cowboy" McCormack, previously manager of Queen's Park F.C.. McCormack oversaw the winning of the Third Division Championship and a dominant start to the 2003-04 season, only for the team to fall away after the turn of the year, and finish in 4th place, well outside the promotion places. This came after being 12 points ahead in the Championship race at the half way stage. This led to unfounded allegations that some players had placed large bets on nearest rivals Airdrie United to win the league, which they eventually did.

Jim McInally was announced as McCormack's successor, and in his first season as manager the club failed to gain promotion to the Scottish First Division by a single point, finishing behind Stranraer in 3rd place. Morton failed to gain promotion to the First Division during the 2005-06 season. Finishing 2nd was not enough, as the SFL playoffs meant that only the championship-winning team would be promoted automatically. Gretna won the division, so Morton entered play-offs alongside Peterhead (3rd), Partick Thistle (4th), and Stranraer (9th in Division One.) Morton's first playoff match was against Peterhead, and the Greenock side were defeated 1-0 over two legs, the only goal a penalty in the second match at Balmoor.