Billy Davies is today set to return to the dugout, as Morton’s new Technical Head Coach steps in to cover for manager Dougie Imrie, who is absent from the Championship opener due to family matters.

Davies will be pit against a Dunfermline side managed by Neil Lennon in this opening weekend clash at Cappielow.

He confirmed his return to football with the Ton only weeks ago, taking on a role that sees him working alongside current manager Imrie, who has held the post in Greenock since 2021. This marks Davies’ first involvement in Scottish football since leaving Motherwell in 2001, having gone on to enjoy spells in the English game with Preston, Nottingham Forest, and Derby County, the latter earning promotion to the Premier League under his guidance.

A former Dunfermline player, Davies, who has even been linked with the Scotland job in the past — revealed in an exclusive interview with SNN Sports that he had been scheduled to interview for the Rangers job shortly after their return to the Premiership. The move ultimately never materialised.

Now in his new role at Morton, Davies is demonstrating his willingness to step in and support Imrie whenever needed, as he goes head-to-head with a coach today who has won all there is to win domestically in Scotland, both as a player and manager.

Morton finished sixth last season, one place above Dunfermline, who showed a marked improvement in results following Lennon’s appointment. Imrie also holds the current bragging rights, having led the Ton to a 2–0 win over the Pars on the final day of last season.

Morton described Davies’ appointment on their official website as a “clear message of intent ahead of the new campaign,” while Dunfermline recently tied Lennon down to a new two-year deal following the expiry of his short-term contract. Today’s encounter offers both sides an early chance to lay down a marker in what promises to be one of the most competitive Scottish Championship seasons in recent years.