Greenock Morton Archives

Raith Rovers set to appoint Dougie Imrie as new boss

Raith Rovers are set to appoint Dougie Imrie as their new manager. The Kirkcaldy club approached Greenock Morton and talks have been progressing well. Rovers sacked Barry Robson earlier this month and are currently sixth in the league table and three points from the play-offs. The Fife club have spoken to a number of managers but are keen on replacing Robson with the Ton boss. Imrie has impressed in Greenock and done well and has worked with one of the smallest budgets in the league. Morton are currently seventh in the table and have won three of their 16 league games so far. Paul Hanlon has been put in interim charge until a replacement is found.

November 24, 2025

Imrie family donate £18,000 in memory of Baby Remi

Morton boss Dougie Imrie and his partner Lauren McCreaddie have donated a staggering £18,000 to the neonatal unit at Wishaw hospital in memory of their child Remi who sadly passed away earlier this year. Earlier this year, the couple welcomed Remi into the world as she was born 14 weeks early weighing 1lb 4oz. Tragically after spending 20 days in the Neonatal Unit at the University Hospital in Wishaw, baby Remi passed away. On Baby Loss Awareness week the couple returned to the hospital to deliver a £18,000 donation to the staff who supported them throughout the most difficult period. Imrie said: “We’ll never be able to thank the staff enough for everything they did for Remi and for us. “Those 20 days we had with her were the most special days of our lives, and the care and compassion and support we received gave us memories we’ll hold forever.” The couple held a fundraiser at the funeral to raise funds for the unit as they want to continue fundraising for as long as they can. McCreaddie said: “At Remi’s funeral, we had a collection for the unit, but we want to continue fundraising for as long as we can. “It’s the very least we can do to give back to those who gave us so much- so that they can keep on helping families like ours through the most difficult journeys.” The funds raised will be used to support the neonatal unit as well as providing help to families whose babies need to spend time in the intensive care unit. Baby Loss Awareness week which is held annually from the 9th to the 15th October is used to support and bring together families who have suffered similar loss as well as raising awareness of the issue of Baby Loss and how you are not alone in your journey. A link can be found down below too donate to the Remi Imrie fundraiser: https://www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/remiimrie?utm_medium=CR&utm_source=CL

October 10, 2025

Jackson Longridge Targets First Morton Win at Queen’s Park

Morton’s search for a first league win of the season continues after last weekend’s narrow 1-0 home defeat to Raith Rovers. Vice-captain Jackson Longridge saw a late equaliser controversially ruled out, but insists the squad remains confident despite a five-game winless run to start the season. Longridge pointed to the number of new signings and young players in the squad, stressing that the group has “clicked really quickly” and only needs time to gel fully. He believes the first victory will act as a springboard, he said: “As soon as we get the win, it’ll put us in a good position for going forward and I think we’ll kick on as a group.” Frustration with refereeing decisions aside, Morton’s performances have generally been competitive, with four draws before last week’s defeat. Longridge emphasised the importance of staying calm when behind and using the experience in the squad to help younger players through tight games. The defender also underlined his faith in manager Dougie Imrie, having worked with him previously at Livingston: “He’s on us every day, so we’re not allowed to take a foot off the gas. “It’s down to us on the pitch to go and perform and work hard for him.” With Queen’s Park up next, also without a league win, Morton will be eager to turn solid performances into three points. The Greenock side has the depth to improve once all the new faces get up to speed, but the priority now is simple, get that first win on the board to release the pressure and kickstart their campaign and playoff push.

September 13, 2025

Ten-Man Rovers Edge Morton to Keep Pace with League Leaders

Greenock Morton 0-1 Raith Rovers Whilst the top tier remained on ice due to the season’s first international break, the heat was turning up in the Championship, particularly at Cappielow, where unbeaten Greenock Morton hosted second-placed Raith Rovers. Both sides had shown promise in the early stages of the campaign. Morton had drawn all four of their opening fixtures in what has been a tumultuous start, marked by devastating off-field tragedy and mounting on-field frustration. Raith, meanwhile, had taken two wins from their first three after an opening-day draw with Queen’s Park, though they came into this one on the back of a defeat away to Partick Thistle. Dougie Imrie restored Owen Moffat and Aaron Comrie to his starting line-up, while Rovers boss Barry Robson kept faith with the side that had featured at Firhill. That included the experienced former Hibernian duo Paul Hanlon and Lewis Stevenson, each enjoying something of a late-career renaissance in Kirkcaldy. The match began cagily, littered with misplaced passes and early offside calls. The visitors carved out the first clear chance, Dylan Easton picked out inside the area only to fire straight at Ton keeper James Storer. At the other end, Iain Wilson forced Josh Rae into a superb stop from a free kick, the Rovers goalkeeper tipping the effort over the bar. It was otherwise a poor spectacle, with little to separate the sides. The home support bracing themselves for what looked like a fifth consecutive league draw as the teams went in at the interval. Imrie responded at the restart by making a change, withdrawing the struggling Kerr Robertson and introducing captain Grant Gillespie in midfield as he looked to seize control of the contest. Yet it was the visitors who struck first. A long clearance from Rae was misjudged by the Morton defence, allowing Easton to nip in ahead of the onrushing Storer and glance a header into the corner. His finish sparking celebrations among the travelling support packed into the terracing behind the goal. With ten minutes remaining, and Morton quickly running out of ideas, the hosts were handed a lifeline. Josh Mullin was shown a straight red card for a reckless, shin-high challenge on substitute Michael Garrity right on the byline. Gillespie would test Rae with a free header from a corner, and a penalty shout for a tackle on Tomi Adeloye waved away by referee Lloyd Wilson. Despite the numerical advantage, Morton couldn’t find a way through, their attacks breaking down in frustration as Raith dug in to protect their lead with some game management tactics. The visitors saw out the final minutes with composure, grinding out a valuable three points on the road. For Imrie’s side it was another afternoon of exasperation, five games played, four draws, and now their unbeaten run finally broken. For Robson and Raith, however, it was a statement victory that keeps them right on the heels of early pace-setters St Johnstone. Morton Storer 6; Comrie 4 (McKay 4), Moore 6, Longridge 5, Delaney 5; Shaw 5, I. Wilson 7, Robertson 5 (Gillespie 4), Blues 5 (Adeloye 5), Moffat 4 (Garrity, 5); Brophy 4 Subs not used: Murdoch; Ballantyne, Corr, Hart, Murphy Raith Rae 8; Doherty 6, Fordyce 6, Hanlon 6; Mullin 4, Matthews 6, Brown 6, Bryne 6, Stevenson 7; Easton 8 (Vaughan 5), McMullan 6 (Hamilton 5) Subs not used: Glavin; Rowe, E. Wilson, O’Connor, Montagu, Hannah, Raeside Att: 2,004

September 6, 2025

Billy Davies Praises Support for Morton Boss Dougie Imrie

Greenock Morton’s technical head coach Billy Davies has praised the support shown to manager Dougie Imrie following the tragic loss of his infant daughter Remi, who passed away at just 20 days old. Despite the heart breaking circumstances, Imrie was in the dugout for Morton’s 2-2 draw at home to Scott Brown’s Ayr United on Saturday afternoon. Davies revealed that the manager only confirmed his intention to be present the day before the crucial William Hill Championship fixture, taking his place on the sidelines during a flawlessly observed minute’s silence for his daughter. Davies, the former Derby County boss, had previously stepped in earlier in the campaign to lead the Cappielow side against Neil Lennon’s Dunfermline Athletic. But on this occasion, Imrie was determined to be involved. He was shown just how much the Greenock community, and Scottish football as a whole, were behind him. The Cowshed section sang the manager’s name before, during, and after the match, with Imrie visibly emotional at full-time. Reflecting on the importance of getting a result after such a difficult week, Davies said: “We wanted to get a result, get points for the manager and his family. “It’s been a tough, tough week for everyone involved.” Support for Imrie extended far beyond Cappielow. At Tynecastle, before their fixture against Hearts, Motherwell fans unfurled a banner that read simply: “Stay Strong Dougie, Rest in Peace Remi.” A simple but poignant gesture from ex-Hamilton player Imrie’s former rivals, underlining that some things are far more important than football rivalries. Imrie has also been inundated with messages of support from across the country and throughout the footballing community. Davies added: “It was nice to see everyone across the country get behind the manager and his family. “He deserves tremendous respect because he’s a very misunderstood character who has had to deal with a lot of things.” On the pitch, Morton took the lead in the first half through an Eamonn Brophy penalty but fell 2-1 behind early in the second half as Ayr struck twice from set pieces. Assessing the defensive lapses, Davies admitted: “We only didn’t handle it because one or two people individually switched off. “Unfortunately, you can coach all week and say all the right things, but that’s what cost us today.” Brophy, however, rescued a point with a late header on what was an emotional afternoon at Cappielow. Davies praised both the team’s resilience and the striker’s contribution: “I’m delighted with the character we showed and delighted to get that late goal. That’s what Eamonn does best, he scores goals. He’s still not where we want him fitness-wise, but two tremendous goals today and great for him personally.” 📺 WATCH NOW: Billy Davies’ post game reaction Three draws from their opening three matches leaves Morton unbeaten but still searching for a first win. Imrie, Davies and their squad now travel to Perth to face a St Johnstone side already tipped for a swift return to the William Hill Premiership after winning their opening trio of fixtures. For yesterday however, the result felt secondary, the afternoon was defined instead by unity, resilience, and a community standing firmly behind their manager in his darkest hour.

August 24, 2025

Imrie’s men salvage late draw at emotional Cappielow

Morton 2-2 Ayr United Greenock Morton welcomed Ayr United on a sombre afternoon at Cappielow Park where Morton manager Dougie Imrie took his place in the dugout despite the heart breaking loss of his infant daughter earlier in the week. Prior to the game, a minute’s silence was impeccably observed by both sets of supporters before kick-off as Imrie made two changes from their Premier Sports Cup defeat to Aberdeen while Scott Brown and his Ayr United side were still on the hunt for their first league win as he made five alternations. But the match poignantly began with the home support rallying behind their manager, with the Cowshed section chanting his name loudly in the opening stages and throughout the match. United carved out the first real chance when Marco Rus broke free down the left and whipped in a front-post cross for Curtis Main, but the ex-St Mirren striker’s flick was well blocked by James Storer. Morton were handed a penalty midway through the first half. A perfectly weighted through ball from Cammy Ballantyne released Michael O’Halloran, whose cutback struck the hand of a United defender. Eamonn Brophy took responsibility from the spot and calmly slotted the ball low into the bottom-left corner. 📺 WATCH NOW: Morton manager Dougie Imrie speaks post game David Mitchell dived the right way, but even at full stretch he could not prevent the former Kilmarnock man’s precise strike. Despite a flurry of chances for Main, Morton held firm and went into the interval a goal to the good. Brown’s Ayr side left still searching desperately for a breakthrough going into the second period. United found it within minutes of the restart, Main rising at the back post to meet a free-kick and hooking the ball across goal for Kevin Holt to tuck away, bringing the sides level. The visitors then turned the game on its head from another set piece. A superbly delivered corner from Ethan Walker was met at the near post by Nick McAllister. 📺 WATCH NOW: Ayr United boss Scott Brown gives his post game thoughts The Honest Men skipper glanced his header home to give Ayr the lead inside the opening quarter of the second half. Storer kept Morton alive late on, producing a brilliant reflex stop to deny George Oakley’s thunderous header from inside the six-yard box. That save proved pivotal. With the clock running down, Nathan Shaw whipped in a curling cross to the back post, where Brophy rose to glance a simple header past Mitchell, sparking relief and jubilation among the home support. Zach McKay would test Mitchell late on but the scores would remain level. Both sides continue to search for their first league win. After a traumatic week Morton will be the happier of the two sides, the players turning up for their manager with the type of grit and destination that will surely see them move up the table this season. PLAYER RATINGS: Morton: Storer 6; Ballantyne 7, Moore 5, Longridge 6, Delaney 5 (Corr 4); Blues 6, Robertson 6 (Garrity 5), Shaw 8; O’Halloran 5 (McKay 4), Moffat 6 (Wilson 4), Brophy 9* Goals: Brophy (23) Ayr United: Mitchell 6; McAllister 8, Holt 8, Dick 6, McMann 6; Rus 6 (Watret 5), McKenzie 6, Ure 6, Walker 8 (Hastie 4); Oakley 7, Main 6 📺 WATCH NOW: Billy Davies’ post game reaction

August 23, 2025

Partick Thistle 1-1 Morton: Rivals Draw in Firhill Thriller

There was no shortage of thrills at Firhill as Partick Thistle began their home league campaign against rivals Greenock Morton. Thistle fans were looking for a response following a disastrous opening-day defeat to relegated St Johnstone. The Jags had taken an early lead in Perth but collapsed, conceding five without reply. Morton’s start to the season was more complicated. Manager Dougie Imrie, linked with the Firhill job in the summer before Thistle appointed Mark Wilson, missed the opening league fixture for personal reasons. Technical head coach Billy Davies stepped in, guiding the side to a 0–0 draw with Neil Lennon’s Dunfermline. Team News Imrie returned to the dugout in Maryhill, making three changes: Eammon Brophy was handed his full debut, with Cammy Blues and Ali Crawford also starting. Owen Moffat, Kerr Robertson, and Michael O’Halloran dropped out. Thistle made two changes of their own, with debutant goalkeeper Josh Clarke and home-grown midfielder Ben Stanway replacing Lewis Budinauckas and Ts’oanelo Lets’osa. Before kick-off, a minute’s applause for lifelong Thistle supporter Robert Reid was warmly observed by both sets of fans, while Morton’s travelling support unveiled a banner for their manager’s young daughter reading: Keep fighting, Remi. First Half The opening stages saw few chances, the blustery conditions leading to scrappy play. Thistle’s Logan Chalmers went closest in the first half hour, his wind-assisted free-kick from wide drifting just past James Storer’s post. Morton finally made the breakthrough in the 35th minute. A Cammy Ballantyne cross was held up by Brophy at the near post before being laid off for the onrushing Crawford to fire home, sparking bedlam among the away fans. The visitors then struck the bar twice in quick succession through captain Jackson Longridge and Tomi Adeloye. Thistle responded immediately, Chalmers’ strike crashing off the inside of the post and straight into Storer’s arms. Second Half The game burst into life after the break. Thistle introduced Lets’osa for Luke McBeth, and the Lesotho-born midfielder quickly won his side a penalty after a clattering challenge from Longridge. Chalmers stepped up, sending Storer the wrong way to level the match. Imrie, Davies and Longridge were all visibly unhappy with the referees award of the spot kick against their side. Minutes later, Chalmers broke down the left and squared for Aidan Fitzpatrick, who raced through the middle. With only the advancing Storer to beat, the former Norwich winger somehow dragged his effort wide. Both sides would threaten in the dying stages, with both putting set pieces into dangerous area but neither keeper was forced into any late action as the match ended square. What’s next? Thistle at least have a point on the board, and Morton pick up a valuable away draw but both sides remain in search of a first league win of the season. Both sides now turn their attention to Premier Sports Cup action, with a home tie with Scott Brown’s Ayr United next week for the Maryhill men whilst Imrie, Davies and co host Scottish Cup winners Aberdeen at Cappielow in their own second round tie. Partick Thistle: Clarke; Logan (McPherson 69′), Reading, Ashcroft, O’Reilly; Stanway (MacKenzie 84′) , McBeth (Lets’osa 46′), Crawford; Fitzpatrick, Chalmers, Watt Subs not used: Budinauckas; Lawless, Horn, Falconer. Scorer: Chalmers (50′) Greenock Morton: Storer; Ballantyne, Moore, Longridge, Deleney; Wilson, Blues (Moffat 67′), Crawford (Garrity 84′), Taylor (Robertson 67′); Brophy (McKay 78′), Adeloye (O’Halloran 67′) Subs not used: Murdoch; Corr, Hart. Scorer: Crawford (32′) Att: 3,926

August 9, 2025

Billy Davies in Managerial Return as New Morton Technical Head Coach Set to Cover Absent Dougie Imrie

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.

August 2, 2025

Billy Davies inspired Ryan Bertrand in the Champions League final

Ryan Bertrand won the Champions League with Chelsea in 2012 and spoke of how Billy Davies inspired him in what was the biggest achievement of his career. The left-back made his Champions League debut in the final and he remembered one key bit of advice that his former Nottingham Forest boss gave him. Bertrand was on loan at the Tricky Trees for one season back in 2010 and he learnt a lot under Davies. Speaking on the Business of Sport podcast, the former England international was set to play in the biggest game of his life and he thought back to what Davies told him that calmed his nerves for the occasion: “So, I’ll be in the Champions League final and all I’m thinking about is Billy Davies. He used to say, this was playing against Derby, and we played them, so it’s a big game there. “I think we beat them 5-2 or something, but before the game he was just walking around the dressing room saying ‘play the game and not the occasion’, just walking around saying ‘play the game not the occasion’, and funnily enough when I was at that Champions League [final] when I was getting ready that’s all I could think of. “So, when I’m hearing the Champions League soundtrack and stuff which is amazing, and having that realisation of what this echo of just play this game, it’s just another game.” The 35-year-old was asked by the host if Davies’ advice worked on the night and he responded: “It did, it did. It actually worked alright playing against for example [Arjen] Robben was there and no matter how dangerous he was, I had that repetition against him when I was 16 because the more you play against a player, the more you become familiar with them.” Davies has returned to the game and is Greenock Morton’s new Technical Head Coach and will support Dougie Imrie on what promises to be an exciting season for the Ton.

July 25, 2025

Billy Davies joins Morton as Technical Head Coach

Greenock Morton have made a statement of intent by appointing seasoned tactician Billy Davies as Technical Head Coach, joining forces with manager Dougie Imrie ahead of the new Scottish Championship season. Represented by Superior Sports Management, Davies arrives with an impressive CV spanning Scotland and England. He first made waves as the youngest manager in the SPL at Motherwell, steering them from the bottom of the table to a top-four finish. Billy told SNN Sports: “I’m delighted to be joining Greenock Morton and to have the opportunity to work alongside Dougie Imrie — a highly talented and ambitious young manager. It’s a role I’m genuinely excited about.” His managerial journey also includes notable stints at Preston North End, Derby County, and Nottingham Forest. Most memorably, he masterminded Derby’s promotion to the Premier League in just 11 months, leading a defence that conceded just four goals at home in 23 league matches during that campaign. With seven Championship Manager of the Month awards, Davies ranks among the division’s most successful coaches, just behind the likes of Neil Warnock and Chris Hughton. Davies will take a hands-on role in coaching and player development, aiming to build on the club’s recent progress and push Morton higher up the Scottish Championship table. The appointment fits neatly into an ambitious vision shaped by Imrie and chairman John Laird. Both Davies and Imrie, who share representation through Superior Sports Management, have built a strong working relationship in recent years — one that promises to strengthen Morton’s on-field strategy. Davies confident on the clubs vision & ambition: “After some in-depth discussions with the board — particularly with Chairman John Laird and Dougie — I’m confident in the club’s vision, and I’m proud to be part of their future plans and ambitions.” Further details on his role will be unveiled in due course, but for now, it’s clear Greenock Morton are gearing up for a serious campaign.

July 11, 2025

Greenock Morton