2009–10 Greenock Morton F.C. season

August 2021 Greenock Morton 2009–10 Davie Irons (19/2/08-21/9/09) James Grady (31/10/09-9/5/10) Douglas Rae Scottish First Division 8th Scottish Cup Fourth round(eliminated by Celtic) League Cup Second round(eliminated by Kilmarnock) Challenge Cup Second round(eliminated by Ross County) Peter Weatherson (10) Peter Weatherson (12) League: 3,771 vs Ayr United (1 May 2010) Cup: 10,191 vs Celtic (19 January 2009) League: 1,219 vs Ross County (13 April 2010) Cup: 1,882 vs Dumbarton (28 November 2009) 1,969 _bluehoops 0000FF FFFFFF 0000FF 0000FF 0000FF FF3333 FF3333 FF3333 FF3333 FF3333 _blueleftsideshoulder FFFFFF FFFFFF FFFFFF FFFFFF FFFFFF 2008–09 2010–11 Season 2009–10 saw Greenock Morton compete in their third consecutive season in the First Division, in which they finished 8th after a last day victory over Ayr United which relegated the visitors. Story of the season May After the end of the 2008–09 season, Kieran McAnespie (signed for amateur side Milngavie Wanderershttp://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/news/scottish-news/2010/04/19/scottish-former-pro-footballer-quits-job-filming-naked-women-to-return-home-to-play-in-the-juniors-86908-22196306/ Former football star quits job filming naked women to return to Scotland to play in the juniors Daily Record 19 April 2010 19 April 2010), Jamie Stevenson (signed for East Stirlingshirehttp://www.eaststirlingfc.co.uk/news_articles/070709stevenson.htm JAMIE STEVENSON SIGNS eaststirlingfc.co.uk 9 July 2009 9 July 2009 dead https://web.archive.org/web/20090711194312/http://www.eaststirlingfc.co.uk/news_articles/070709stevenson.htm 11 July 2009), Chris Smith (signed for Dumbartonhttp://www.dumbartonfootballclub.com/news/?mode=view&id=2731 SONS SIGN TWO dumbartonfootballclub.com 3 August 2009 3 August 2009) and Jon Newby (signed for Northwich Victoriahttp://www.midcheshirechronicle.co.uk/mid-cheshire-sport/other-sports/2009/07/15/football-northwich-vics-announce-new-signings-as-transfer-embargo-is-lifted-by-football-conference-93570-24150387/ Northwich Vics announce new signings as transfer embargo is lifted by Football Conference Mid-Cheshire Chronicle 15 July 2009 24 July 2009August 2019 InternetArchiveBot yes ) were all released. Brian Graham returned from his loan spell at East Stirlingshire, where he finished as the Third Division's top scoring forward. June Neil MacFarlane was brought in under freedom of contract from Queen of the South.http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/m/morton/8084747.stm Morton secure Queens' MacFarlane BBC Sport 4 June 2009 6 June 2009 July Bryn Halliwell signed as emergency goalkeeping cover following injuries to Kevin Cuthbert and Colin Stewart.http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/m/morton/8171507.stm Halliwell joins Ton for a month BBC Sport 27 July 2009 27 July 2009 August At the end of Halliwell's short-term contract, he was released before the close of the transfer window thus making him available to sign for a new club at any time after the window shut.http://sport.scotsman.com/mortonfc/Morton-release-goalkeeper-Halliwell.5604184.jp Morton release goalkeeper Halliwell The Scotsman 1 September 2009 10 November 2009 Morton were knocked out of the two SFL cup competitions by Ross County and Kilmarnock, after victories over Dumbarton and Cowdenbeath. September Davie Irons and Derek Collins had their contracts as the club's management team cancelled on 21 September, with the club sitting bottom of the First Division with only three points from their first six games.http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/m/morton/8266914.stm Irons dismissed from Morton job 21 September 2009 BBC Sport 21 September 2009 Allan McManus and James Grady took over as caretakers until replacements for Irons and Collins could be appointed.http://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/football/sfl/2009/09/22/morton-appoint-james-grady-allan-mcmanus-as-caretaker-bosses-86908-21691729/ Daily Record Morton appoint James Grady & Allan McManus as caretaker bosses 22 September 2009 20 October 2009 dead https://web.archive.org/web/20090929030851/http://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/football/sfl/2009/09/22/morton-appoint-james-grady-allan-mcmanus-as-caretaker-bosses-86908-21691729/ 29 September 2009 Iain Russell was loaned out to Alloa Athletic.http://www.gmfc.net/News/&action=fullnews&id=239 Iain Russell joins Alloa Athletic on loan gmfc.net 11 September 2009 11 September 2009 dead https://web.archive.org/web/20110716224011/http://www.gmfc.net/News/%26action%3Dfullnews%26id%3D239 16 July 2011 October McManus and Grady were appointed permanently (until the end of the season) on Halloween 2009.http://www.greenocktelegraph.co.uk/news/greenock/articles/2009/10/31/393546-grady-and-mcmanus-get-ton-job/ Grady and McManus get Ton job Greenock Telegraph 31 October 2009 31 October 2009 This time though, Grady was made manager with McManus his assistant. November With injuries mounting up, Grady brought in Alan Reid and David van Zanten in on trial. Both players made their débuts on 7 November, against Partick Thistle, this was however Reid's THIRD début for the club having played two games on trial the previous season and having a spell on loan in 2001. On 10 November, it was revealed in the Greenock Telegraph that van Zanten had signed on a permanent contract until January 2010.http://www.greenocktelegraph.co.uk/sport/morton/articles/2009/11/10/393840-morton-bring-in-van-zanten-until-january/ Greenock Telegraph 10 November 2009 10 November 2009 Morton bring in Van Zanten until January Alan Reid was signed on a permanent basis on 27 November, following the release of Ryan Harding by mutual consent.http://www.gmfc.net/News/&action=fullnews&id=277 Alan Reid Signs gmfc.net 27 November 2009 27 November 2009 dead https://web.archive.org/web/20091130185930/http://www.gmfc.net/News/%26action%3Dfullnews%26id%3D277 30 November 2009 December After a replay, Morton defeated Dumbarton, to set up a Scottish Cup fourth round tie at Cappielow against Celtic.http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/scot_cups/8394409.stm Dumbarton 0–1 Morton BBC Sport 5 December 2009 6 December 2009 January David van Zanten's short-term deal at Cappielow expires, and the Irishman signs for Hamilton Academical.http://acciesfc.co.uk/index.php?view=article&catid=44:news&id=876:van-zanten-signs&format=pdf van Zanten signs acciesfc.co.uk 8 January 2010 10 January 2010 dead https://web.archive.org/web/20110811025541/http://acciesfc.co.uk/index.php?view=article&catid=44%3Anews&id=876%3Avan-zanten-signs&format=pdf 11 August 2011 Ex-Celtic youth Michael Tidser returns from Sweden, where he played for Ostersunds FK to sign with Morton.http://www.greenocktelegraph.co.uk/sport/football/articles/2010/01/13/395865-grady-delighted-with-new-boy/ Grady delighted with new boy 13 January 2010 13 January 2010 Greenock Telegraph Alex Walker was loaned out to Brechin City for three months.http://www.greenocktelegraph.co.uk/sport/morton/articles/2010/01/15/395999-grady-rates-game-5050/ Grady rates game 50–50 Greenock Telegraph 15 January 2010 15 January 2010 Brian Wake was released, with his next destination being Gateshead.http://www.gateshead-fc.com/2595/gateshead-in-double-transfer-swoop Gateshead in double transfer swoop gateshead-fc.com 26 January 2010 29 January 2010 dead https://web.archive.org/web/20100207035449/http://www.gateshead-fc.com/2595/gateshead-in-double-transfer-swoop 7 February 2010 As the transfer window slammed shut, Kevin McKinlay was signed on a free transfer.http://www.gmfc.net/News/&action=fullnews&id=316 Kevin McKinlay gmfc.net 2 February 2010 6 February 2010 https://web.archive.org/web/20100209113059/http://www.gmfc.net/News/%26action%3Dfullnews%26id%3D316 9 February 2010 dead February Erik Paartalu signed a pre-contract agreement with Brisbane Roar back in his homeland of Australia.http://www.brisbaneroar.com.au/default.aspx?s=newsdisplay&id=32791 Erik Paartalu signs for Brisbane brisbaneroar.com.au 24 February 2010 24 February 2010 dead https://web.archive.org/web/20110306002058/http://www.brisbaneroar.com.au/default.aspx?s=newsdisplay&id=32791 6 March 2011 Donovan Simmonds was signed until the end of the season on a free transfer from Maltese Premier League side Floriana.http://www.gmfc.net/News/&action=fullnews&id=338 Donovan Simmons [sic] gmfc.net 27 February 2010 27 February 2010 dead https://web.archive.org/web/20110716224526/http://www.gmfc.net/News/%26action%3Dfullnews%26id%3D338 16 July 2011 March Austrian Striker David Witteveen signed on loan from Hearts until the end of the season.http://www.heartsfc.co.uk/articles/20100326/davids-morton-deal_2241384_2006052 David's Morton deal heartsfc.co.uk 26 March 2010 26 March 2010 dead https://web.archive.org/web/20100328212255/http://www.heartsfc.co.uk/articles/20100326/davids-morton-deal_2241384_2006052 28 March 2010 Iain Russell and Ryan McWilliams were sent out on loan to Stirling Albion and Largs Thistle respectively.http://www.gmfc.net/News/&action=fullnews&id=349 Player News gmfc.net 26 March 2010 26 March 2010 dead https://web.archive.org/web/20100331212919/http://www.gmfc.net/News/%26action%3Dfullnews%26id%3D349 31 March 2010 April Jim McAlister broke his foot in a 3–3 draw with Queen of the Southhttp://www.scottishfootballleague.com/news.cfm?curpageid=945&newsid=3366 McAlister out for season Scottish Football League 8 April 2010 8 April 2010 dead https://web.archive.org/web/20100414002751/http://www.scottishfootballleague.com/news.cfm?curpageid=945 14 April 2010 – this was most likely his final game for Morton with his contract running down at the end of the season. Michael Tidser was awarded the Scottish Football League young player of the month award for March.http://www.scottishfootballleague.com/news.cfm?curpageid=945&newsid=3372 IRN-BRU Phenomenal Awards for March announced Scottish Football League 13 April 2010 13 April 2010 dead https://web.archive.org/web/20100414002751/http://www.scottishfootballleague.com/news.cfm?curpageid=945 14 April 2010 May With a 2–1 victory at Cappielow over Ayr United, Morton avoided relegation to the Second Division whilst condemning their opponents to automatic relegation.http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/scot_div_1/8653115.stm Ayr United go down, Stirling Albion secure title BBC Sport 1 May 2010 1 May 2010 First team transfers From end of 2008–09 season, to last match of season 2009–10 In PlayerFromFeeSCO Neil MacFarlane Queen of the South Free (June 2009)ENG Bryn Halliwell Queen of the South Free (July 2009)IRL David van Zanten Hibernian Free (November 2009)SCO Alan Reid Unattached Free (November 2009)SCO Michael Tidser Östersunds FK (Sweden) Free (January 2010)SCO Kevin McKinlay Dundalk (Ireland) Free (February 2010)ENG Donovan Simmonds Floriana (Malta) Free (February 2010)AUT David Witteveen Heart of Midlothian Loan (March 2010) Out PlayerToFeeSCO Kieran McAnespie Milngavie Wanderers Free (May 2009)SCO Jamie Stevenson East Stirlingshire Free (July 2009)ENG Jon Newby Northwich Victoria (England) Free (July 2009)SCO Chris Smith Dumbarton Free (August 2009)ENG Bryn Halliwell Forfar Athletic Free (August 2009)SCO Iain Russell Alloa Athletic Loan (September 2009)SCO Ryan Harding East Stirlingshire Free (November 2009)IRL David van Zanten Hamilton Academical Free (January 2010)SCO Alex Walker Brechin City Loan (January 2010)ENG Brian Wake Gateshead (England) Free (January 2010)SCO Iain Russell Stirling Albion Loan (March 2010)SCO Ryan McWilliams Largs Thistle Loan (March 2010) Squad (that played for first team) Scotland Kevin Cuthbert GK England Bryn Halliwell GK short-term contract Scotland Ryan McWilliams GK Scotland Colin Stewart GK Scotland Stewart Greacen DF captain Scotland Ryan Harding DF Scotland David MacGregor DF Scotland Allan McManus DF Scotland Alan Reid DF England Dominic Shimmin DF Republic of Ireland David van Zanten DF short-term contract Scotland Alex Walker DF Scotland Kevin Finlayson MF Scotland Allan Jenkins MF Scotland Ryan Kane MF Scotland Neil MacFarlane MF Scotland Steven Masterton MF Scotland Jim McAlister MF Scotland Ryan McGuffie MF Scotland Kevin McKinlay MF Scotland Carlo Monti MF Australia Erik Paartalu MF Scotland Michael Tidser MF Scotland Brian Graham FW Scotland James Grady FW Scotland Iain Russell FW England Donovan Simmonds FW England Brian Wake FW England Peter Weatherson FW Austria David Witteveen FW on loan from Hearts Fixtures and results #DDFFDD Win 1px solid #AAAAAA #FFFFDD Draw 1px solid #AAAAAA #FFDDDD Loss 1px solid #AAAAAA #FFFFFF Upcoming fixture 1px solid #AAAAAA Friendlies DateOpponentsStadiumResultF–AScorersAttendance2 July 2009SVK Slovan BratislavaAustrian training camp1–6Adam Strachan (trialist) ?4 July 2009AUT Salzburg Sports Club 1914Austrian training camp8–1Ryan McGuffie Brian Wake Steven Masterton Brian Graham pen ?7 July 2009StranraerToryglen10 – 0 (abandoned)Brian Wake Brian Graham Peter Weatherson Carlo Monti Jim McAlister Trialists Public Park11 July 2009Annan AthleticGalabank, Annan1–1Steven Masterton pen52513 July 2009ENG Crawley TownCappielow Park, Greenock2–3Jim McAlister 40718 July 2009ENG Oxford UnitedCappielow Park, Greenock0–385920 July 2009ROM Unirea UrziceniCappielow Park, Greenock1–3Steven Masterton 1,05923 July 2009KilmarnockMaryhill Science Centre, Glasgow1–1Iain Russell Public Park28 July 2009St Mirren (Renfrewshire Cup Final)St Mirren Park, Paisley1–2Allan Jenkins 4,3125 September 2009ClydeCappielow Park, Greenock4–0Erik Paartalu Peter Weatherson Closed Door14 September 2009RangersMurray Park, Milngavie1–3Allan Jenkins Closed Door15 December 2009RangersMurray Park, Milngavie1–1Brian Wake Closed Door22 December 2009St JohnstoneToryglen4–1Brian Wake Brian Graham penPublic Park8 January 2010St JohnstoneToryglen0–1Public Park3 February 2010Hamilton AcademicalNew Douglas Park, Hamilton4–1Donovan Simmonds (trialist) Jim McAlister Steven Masterton Own Goal Closed Door8 February 2010St JohnstoneCappielow Park, Greenock0–1Closed Door Irn-Bru Scottish Football League First Division DateOpponentsStadiumResultF–AEventsAttendancePointsReferee8 August 2009DundeeDens Park, Dundee0–1Steven Masterton Kevin Finlayson Brian Graham 5,4490C Boyle15 August 2009Dunfermline AthleticCappielow Park, Greenock0–2Stewart Greacen 102,6610W Collum22 August 2009Ayr UnitedSomerset Park, Ayr2–0Peter Weatherson 23 85 Brian Graham 662,3043E Norris29 August 2009Partick ThistleFirhill Stadium, Glasgow0–5Neil MacFarlane 56 Stewart Greacen 0 672,9863J McKendrick12 September 2009Inverness Caledonian ThistleCappielow Park, Greenock0–3Jim McAlister 231,9463C Richmond19 September 2009Raith RoversStark's Park, Kirkcaldy0–3Alex Walker 45 Neil MacFarlane 59 Stewart Greacen 612,0403S Finnie26 September 2009Airdrie UnitedCappielow Park, Greenock1–0Brian Graham 79 79David MacGregor 902,1046S O'Reilly3 October 2009Queen of the SouthPalmerston Park, Dumfries3–2Brian Graham 13 Peter Weatherson 39 Allan Jenkins 602,6309D McDonald10 October 2009Ross CountyCappielow Park, Greenock0–1Neil MacFarlane Peter Weatherson 2,1549C Boyle17 October 2009DundeeCappielow Park, Greenock0–1Allan McManus 2,2179B Winter24 October 2009Dunfermline AthleticEast End Park, Dunfermline1–3Erik Paartalu 70 Ryan McGuffie 742,4119S Nicholls31 October 2009Inverness Caledonian ThistleTulloch Caledonian Stadium, Inverness1–4Erik Paartalu 28 333,0219C Murray7 November 2009Partick ThistleCappielow Park, Greenock0–22,7389G Salmond14 November 2009Raith RoversCappielow Park, Greenock5–0Erik Paartalu 14 Brian Wake 55 60 Peter Weatherson 62 89 David van Zanten 731,71612S O'Reilly21 November 2009Airdrie UnitedShyberry Excelsior Stadium, Drumgelloch4–2Ryan McGuffie 43 Brian Wake 45 53 Erik Paartalu 49 David van Zanten 671,16415S Conroy8 December 2009Ross CountyVictoria Park, Dingwall1–3Erik Paartalu 29 Carlo Monti 62 Alan Reid 0 851,75215J McKendrick12 December 2009Queen of the SouthCappielow Park, Greenock1–2Peter Weatherson 231,81415S Nicholls19 December 2009DundeeDens Park, Dundee1–3Peter Weatherson 60 Carlo Monti 824,25915C Murray4 January 2010Partick ThistleFirhill Stadium, Glasgow0–12,19215I Brines23 January 2010Raith RoversStark's Park, Kirkcaldy2–1Peter Weatherson 33 79 Michael Tidser 39 Ryan McGuffie 501,70218C Allan13 February 2010Queen of the SouthPalmerston Park, Dumfries2–1Steven Masterton 7 31 pen 58 Kevin Finlayson 72 1 77 Brian Graham 90 Allan Jenkins 902,61121C Brown27 February 2010Dunfermline AthleticCappielow Park, Greenock1–2Ryan McGuffie 55 Stewart Greacen 681,77621C Thomson6 March 2010Ayr UnitedSomerset Park, Ayr0–2Dominic Shimmin 31 Stewart Greacen 58 1 842,14521S Nicholls13 March 2010Inverness Caledonian ThistleTulloch Caledonian Stadium, Inverness0–1Steven Masterton 582,70821S McLean17 March 2010Airdrie UnitedCappielow Park, Greenock2–1Peter Weatherson 20 42 David MacGregor 66 Michael Tidser 80 Donovan Simmonds 901,26624S Conroy20 March 2010Partick ThistleCappielow Park, Greenock1–0Steven Masterton 59 Peter Weatherson 84 Jim McAlister 90+32,16327B Madden23 March 2010Raith RoversCappielow Park, Greenock1–1Kevin McKinlay 26 Peter Weatherson 74 Donovan Simmonds 851,41528S McLean27 March 2010Airdrie UnitedShyberry Excelsior Stadium, Drumgelloch0–3Kevin Cuthbert 0 15 Kevin McKinlay 641,01728B Colvin30 March 2010Ayr UnitedCappielow Park, Greenock1–0Michael Tidser 40 Steven Masterton 78 Jim McAlister 891,28631A Law3 April 2010Queen of the SouthCappielow Park, Greenock3–3David Witteveen 15 22 63 90+11,92632J McKendrick6 April 2010Inverness Caledonian ThistleCappielow Park, Greenock0–21,27732B Winter13 April 2010Ross CountyCappielow Park, Greenock1–1Carlo Monti 6 pen 60 Erik Paartalu 48 Stewart Greacen 69 Brian Graham 90+11,21933F McDermott17 April 2010DundeeCappielow Park, Greenock2–2David Witteveen 41 Carlo Monti 64 pen Stewart Greacen 861,99834A Muir24 April 2010Dunfermline AthleticEast End Park, Dunfermline1–4Carlo Monti 40 pen Dominic Shimmin 902,53234S Conroy26 April 2010Ross CountyVictoria Park, Dingwall1–2David Witteveen 34 52 Ryan McGuffie 40 Donovan Simmonds 781,85034C Charleston1 May 2010Ayr UnitedCappielow Park, Greenock2–1Stewart Greacen 17 77 Carlo Monti 86 883,77137C Richmond Active Nation Scottish Cup DateRoundOpponentsStadiumResultF–AEventsAttendanceReferee28 November 2009Round 3DumbartonCappielow Park, Greenock0–0Alan Reid 371,882S McLean5 December 2009Round 3 ReplayDumbartonStrathclyde Homes Stadium, Dumbarton1–0Brian Graham 74 86 Erik Paartalu 86 1,495S McLean19 January 2010Round 4CelticCappielow Park, Greenock0–1Stewart Greacen 51 Neil MacFarlane 7510,191C Thomson League Cup DateRoundOpponentsStadiumResultF–AEventsAttendanceReferee1 August 2009Round 1CowdenbeathCentral Park, Cowdenbeath3–1Peter Weatherson 7 51 Neil MacFarlane 12 Allan Jenkins 76486B Winter 25 August 2009Round 2KilmarnockRugby Park, Kilmarnock1–3Ryan McGuffie 44 pen Kevin Finlayson 54 Allan Jenkins 733,645M Tumilty Challenge Cup DateRoundOpponentsStadiumResultF–AEventsAttendanceReferee26 July 2009Round 1DumbartonStrathclyde Homes Stadium, Dumbarton1–0Allan Jenkins 25Stewart Greacen 33Steven Masterton 33Neil MacFarlane 401,122S Finnie19 August 2009Round 2Ross CountyVictoria Park, Dingwall1–2Steven Masterton 63 71588J McKendrick League table GMO Player statistics 1 May All competitions # Player Played Subs GK England Bryn Halliwell 4 0 0 0 0GK Scotland Ryan McWilliams 3 0 0 0 0 GK Scotland Colin Stewart 30 1 0 0 0GK Scotland Kevin Cuthbert 6 0 0 1 0DF Scotland Stewart Greacen 37 0 1 2 9DF Scotland Allan McManus 14 0 0 0 1 DF Scotland Alex Walker 5 0 0 0 1DF Scotland Ryan Harding 4 0 0 0 0 DF Scotland David MacGregor 23 7 1 0 1DF Ireland David van Zanten 9 0 1 0 1DF Scotland Alan Reid 19 0 0 1 1DF England Dominic Shimmin 18 0 0 0 2MF Scotland Jim McAlister 37 0 1 0 2MF Scotland Neil MacFarlane 21 0 1 0 5 MF Scotland Ryan McGuffie 36 2 4 0 2MF Scotland Allan Jenkins 23 6 2 0 2MF Scotland Kevin Finlayson 33 5 0 1 3MF Scotland Steven Masterton 14 5 4 0 6MF Scotland Carlo Monti 19 4 4 0 5MF Australia Erik Paartalu 18 12 3 0 5MF Scotland Ryan Kane 0 5 0 0 0MF Scotland Michael Tidser 13 0 0 0 3MF Scotland Kevin McKinlay 7 1 0 0 2FW England Peter Weatherson 37 3 12 0 4FW Scotland Brian Graham 12 17 3 0 6FW England Brian Wake 9 10 4 0 0FW Scotland James Grady 1 4 0 0 0FW Scotland Iain Russell 5 1 0 0 0 FW England Donovan Simmonds 7 7 1 0 2 FW Austria David Witteveen 9 0 5 0 2 References See also Greenock Morton Category:Greenock Morton F.C. seasons