we Are Morton

A History of Greenock Morton Football Club

A look at the club and the surrounding area from 1874 to 2011.
FOREWORD I am delighted to have been asked to write the foreword for this book which has been produced by the young people who are pupils of St Columbas High School. I am very honoured in being Chairman of Greenock Morton Football Club. It is one of oldest Clubs in the Scottish Football League and one that has been very highly respected by the Clubs peers. In the same way most residents within Greenock have a great affection for the Club even those who do not attend matches. When the Club went into Administration it was thought locally that that was going to be the end of Morton Football Club. At the eleventh hour when all else failed I was asked if I would step in and buy the Club. I had previously served as a Director for nearly 14 years and I thought that I had done my bit by the Club but when the Consortium who had planned to purchase the Club withdrew their interest it looked like the end of the road for our Club. Happily Professor Pickett approached me on the final date for the deposit to be paid and I felt that I could not stand back and see the Club go out of existence. The rest is now history. We were in the third Division and in the past nine years we have gone from the 3rd Division to the 2nd and then on to the 1st Division. We hope that we will yet get the Club back to the Premier League which would mean us playing Celtic and Rangers again. Would that not represent being back to the good old days. Can we do it? To do it we will need more fans coming through the turnstiles than we have had recently. What we need is the level of enthusiasm which has been shown by your School. The show of Morton memorabilia that your school organised in Port Glasgow was wonderful. I, who have been a regular attender at Cappielow since I was aged 8, saw several items at the School display of Morton items that I had never seen before. Well done to everyone who helped! You were all a credit to yourselves, your school and of course to Greenock Morton Football Club. As Chairman I am very very proud of you all. CMon the Ton. Yours aye,

Chairman GREENOCK MORTON FOOTBALL CLUB 20-5-11

Published by 7 1/2 John Wood Street with assistance from Heritage Lottery Fund Young Roots programme Copyright for all articles and contributions remains with the originator. See full contributors list for details. No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means without the permission in writing from the publisher, except for purposes of review. Printing co-ordinated by New Vision Print First Published June 2011 Design and typesetting Dominique Mckay Project Co-ordinator Kay Clark Some of the material within originally appeared in slightly different formats in The Greenock Telegraph Various photographic images used under license from SCRAN www.scran.org.uk Every effort has been made to contact the relevant sources for permission for use of all other artwork. 7 1/2 John Wood Street is part of Inverclyde Community Development Trust which is a Company Limited by guarantee. Registered in Scotland No. 116334 A Scottish Charity No. SC007212 VAT No. 809277703 Registered Office: 175 Dalrymple Street, Greenock PA15 1JZ

There have been lots of books charting the history of Morton football club, and hopefully, there will be many more. Our book, We Are Morton was developed to be a project which explored and celebrated our local football team, and the community which supports them. But it was also designed to be the jumping on point for local young people to explore their local history and heritage in a way that is relevant to them. Local arts graduates, school pupils, teachers, players and fans have all collaborated to make this a tremendously energetic and creative project. In just one year, this programme has researched, written and designed a book, made a film, run two exhibitions, created 3 jobs and worked with 22 pupils from St Columbas High School to attain their ASDAN award qualifications. The work of the project was also captured on a project blog, which you can still view at http://wearemorton.blogspot.com/ The Trust have developed and run a whole range of local heritage programmes over the last few years, and project materials for these projects can still be viewed online. Comet Rebuilt The Trust worked in partnership with Inverclyde Council and Ferguson Shipbuilders to repair, refit and refurbish the iconic Comet replica in time for the bicentennial celebrations in 2012. Over a year, the project created 20 local jobs through the Future Jobs Fund. A documentary charting the project from start to finish will be released in September 2011. http://www.cometrebuilt.blogspot.com/ Port Glasgow From Newark to Newark This heritage lottery funded project produced a very popular book exploring the social history of Port Glasgow. A pdf copy of the entire book is available for free download from http://www.trustregeneration.org.uk/ Tales of the Oak A blog of local folktales, legends and forgotten history. http://talesoftheoak.blogspot.com/ Our newest Heritage Lottery funded programme Identity launches in June 2011, it will explore the migrant communities of Inverclyde over the last 200 years and the culture, traditions, stories and songs that they brought with them. For further information or to get involved please contact us at 01475 806760 Or follow our new project blog at http://identityinverclyde.blogspot.com

Acknowledgements
Throughout the course of the project, a great many people have helped in one way or another. We would particularly like to extend our thanks to: St Columbas High School Alistair Witherow Jim Docherty Trish Prickett S3 ASDAN Pupils Shaun Boyle Lauren Brown Paige Brown Kelsey Burke Michael Campbell Shannon Docherty Kyla Downie Sophie Gallacher Christopher Gavin Nicole Rice Erin Kavanagh Reegan Kelly Connor King Gemma McConnell Erin McEwan Mark McNeill Courtney Spence Christopher Stewart Sharrie Wallace Heritage Lottery Fund Greenock Morton Football Club Staff at Watt Library Inverclyde Community Development Trust Greenock Telegraph Morton Supporters Forums SCRAN Glasgow Storytelling Centre The Scottish National Archives Hugh Hagan Douglas Rae Gillian Donaldson Cha Halliday Allan McGraw Ronnie Miller Chris Jewell John Gibson Howard Mitchell James Pickett Joe White Sandra Fyfe R. Anderson Ronnie Ahlfeld Chris Bradley Peter Weatherson Samuel Park Thomson

The beginning of the club, the founders, their descendants, the parks, what everyone was wearing or wishing they could afford to wear, and what was actually going on.

Football Boot circa 1830

That this club be called Morton Football Club.

In 1874, as football was becoming a more popular sport with the young men of Scotland, football teams were being formed across Inverclyde. It was then that a number of young men who lived in Morton Terrace started playing games in a muddy field in front of their homes. Morton was the name chosen for the team, although the reason for this has often been the subject of debate. Some say it was due to the players all coming from Morton Terrace, and some are convinced they were named after the provost of the time, James Morton. Well leave it up to you to decide which side you are on in this interesting debate. The first committee of Morton was formed by five young men; Alex Ramsay, James Alexander Farrell, Matthew Park, Robert Aitken and John Barrie. It is thought that some of the founders would have played for the team but it is known for certain that Mr Farrell was more interested in the team to keep young men off the streets, and he aimed to keep them busy so as to stop them drinking alcohol, as he was a follower of the Temperance Movement. The club was formed in the way that many tennis clubs are formed today. Members would pay a fee to be part of the club, and That on and after the 1st July of each year, the ground shall be open on Mondays and Wednesdays to 1st and 2nd Elevens only, for practice at 7 p.m. On other evenings the Ground will be open to all Members of the Club until the close of the season. The club became so popular that by 1866 memberships had to be restricted to 350 people. The first colours registered with the Scottish Football Association for the team were described as Two inch blue-and-white striped jersey, blue knickers, and red hose. A fully equipped footballer of the 1870s would have worn a cap, armband, knee length shorts, broad belt and boots. They would have looked quite different from the footballers of today, and this book will show the gradual changes which brought about the influence of todays footballers & how sponsorship changed the way footballers were paid.

From the notebook of James Alexander Farrell, a member of the first committee.

LOCAL MAN DESCENDED FROM MORTON LEGEND.

Local man Samuel Park Thomson has discovered he is the great, great grandson of the Morton founder James Alexander Farrell. Samuel started tracing his ancestors when his grandfather asked him to continue what he himself had started. He had informed him that his great, great grandfather had played a part in the history of the Club, but never did he imagine that it was a part as important as being a founding member of the club itself. Samuel agreed to be interviewed and we learned about his family and much more about James Alexander Farrell than previously known. James Alexander Farrell was born in 1851 in County Antrim, Ireland. In his younger days he worked as a Couper, and then went into the grocery trade. He owned a shop in the Wee Dublin End of Greenock, where Cappielow stands today. Mr Farrell did not play for Morton Football Club, and his reason for being part of the founding of the Club was that he was interested in keeping the young men of the area off the streets and away from alcohol. He was a great believer in the Temperance Movement. In Mr Farrells obituary it states Mr Farrell was perhaps best known through his long connection with Morton Football Club with which he has been closely identified since the club was formed. He has been a director since the club became a limited liability company and for some years was vice chairman. When Samuels grandfather started his family search there was little to go on with no access to computers, but since Samuel has taken on the task, he has tracked many generations of his family and is happy to admit that it has become quite an obsession.

FROM A MUDDY FIELD TO

The first group of young men who started playing football under the name Morton were from Morton Terrace and the games were played in a muddy field in front of their homes. The field was located on the current flat piece of land on which Octavia Cottages are now built. It became apparant that the small muddy field was not large enough to hold competitive games and the team moved to Garvel Park in 1875. This was situated on the East End of the current James Watt Dock. The team played here for the next four years.

CAPPIELOW.

It was when plans to build the current James Watt Dock were announced that Morton began their search for a new ground, as the park would be lost in the new development. In 1879 Morton made the move to Cappielow where they have remained to this day, 131 years later. There have been a few exceptions since 1879 such as in 1882 when the club played for one season at Ladyburn, before returning to Cappielow the year after.
Laying the foundation stone of James Watt Dock.

JOINING THE
Following the formation of Scotlands earliest football clubs in the 1860s, football experienced a rapid growth but there was no formal structure, and matches were often arranged in a haphazard and irregular fashion. Queens Park, a Glasgow club founded in 1867, took the lead, and following an advertisement in a Glasgow newspaper in 1873, representatives from seven clubs Queens Park, Clydesdale, Vale of Leven, Dumbreck, Third Lanark, Eastern and Granville attended a meeting on 13 March 1873. Furthermore, Kilmarnock sent a letter stating their willingness to join.

S.F.A

That day, these eight clubs formed the Scottish Football Association. Morton Football Club joined the S.F.A when it formed in 1874, and then on 30 September 1893, it was resolved that henceforth the club will be recognised as a professional organisation. This was when the club became professional, and players were then paid to play for the team. In this year Morton joined the Scottish League second division along with Hibernian, Cowlairs, Clyde, Motherwell, Partick, Port Glasgow, Abercorn, Northern & Thistle.

FOOTBALL CLUB IN PLACE OF ALCOHOL

Morton Football Club set up as a diversionary substitute for alcohol for young and old men of Greenock! More on the Temperance Movement below...
Beer has been brewed and drunk in Scottish communities for centuries. It was considered safer to drink than water that was neither treated nor pure. However, the rising consumption of spirits, particularly whisky, was giving cause for concern by the middle of the 19th century. Alcohol was used to celebrate every occasion. The habit of drinking was established in social and cultural traditions, for example, births, deaths or completion of an apprenticeship were causes for celebration. Although it was often suggested that it was only the working class who revelled in drunkenness, all levels of society partook of alcohol; perhaps the middle and upper classes were better at hiding it, or drank in private. It is often suggested that the male members of the working class went to the pub as an escape from their working conditions and because they did not want to return to the squalid, over crowded conditions of their home life. James Alexander Farrell was a believer in the temperance movement, and it is thought that he would have acted like a modern day youth worker, providing an activity for young men to help them abstain from alcohol. The second rule in the original Morton Constitution conceded That all meetings in connection with the Club be conducted on temperance principles. The Club successfully provided a safe and energetic replacement to alcohol for both the young and old men of Greenock & Inverclyde.

10

Cappielow riot of 1898

MINUTES FROM NATIONAL ARCHIVES
by a Jury at Greenock, and here let me remind you that a Greenock jury is largely drawn from Greenock shopkeepers who generally swallow all the Greenock Telegraph or the Glasgow Mail like to serve up to them. Just imagine the Greenock jurymen who will be called to determine the innocence or guilt of our own townsmen, impregnated with the disgraceful spleen which appeared in the editorial columns of the Telegraph last Monday, and note that this article was penned with a full knowledge that a large number of men from the Port were then in Greenock prison charged with the grave crime of rioting at Cappielow. The article referred to is that under the heading Cads at Cappielow. These cads, says the concluding sentences of the article, excited by drink and the confidence of numbers, the devilry takes more serious shape and the sport becomes bloody enough for a Spanish bull fight or a Roman amphi-theatre. The cowardly cads who from the obscurity of the crowd threw bricks, bottles, and other missiles are deserving of the strongest possible censure. It is too much to hope that all of them will be brought to justice, but such discreditable conduct ought to be sternly put down. Hard things are sometimes said of the police, but their behavior

Baillie McLaughlan on the Cappielow Riot. (To the Editor of the Port-Glasgow Express and Observer.)
SIR, - No one within the four corners of this county more deeply regrets the occurrence at Cappielow last Saturday than I do. A riot between sections drawn from two different communities is under all circumstances a most deplorable public calamity. Now, sir, in riots there are frequently two parties involved, and from the very close inquiries I have made I am more than satisfied that there were two parties involved in the scenes at Cappielow last Saturday, and it follows that one or the other or possibly both are blameworthy. Observe that I do not here even suggest which is to blame; nor do I wish to discuss the merits of the case, but merely to protest that the 34 prisoners now awaiting trial in Greenock prison are my fellow citizens and that the possibility of their being fairly tried has been seriously impaired by the illegal and cowardly conduct of the Greenock and Glasgow newspapers in circulating fabricated reports which are clearly prejudicial to the untried prisoners. It is now a fixture that these prisoners will be tried

on Saturday was worthy of all praise. The Port Glasgow crowd has an evil reputation, but their savagery of Saturday has not hitherto been approached. It will be for the representatives of law and order to take such steps as will render repetition of it impossible. I must forbear quoting further from this and other articles on the same subject which appeared in the Telegraph during the week, all more or less calculated to inflame the public mind against our people, and thereby lead to a miscarriage of justice. It is the inalienable right, even of Port Glasgow cads, to get a fair trial, and if the people will see they get it, notwithstanding the case now pending. The press men have told us a great deal about The evil reputation of the Port Glasgow crowd, but not a single word about the evil reputation of the Greenock police. Now, sir, perhaps there are few laymen in the West of Scotland better acquainted with the inner workings of our police system than I am, and I profess to know something of the Greenock force from head to heel, and I most emphatically say that if I, as a Magistrate, were asked to select a body of Scottish police to preserve the public peace at a football or other gathering, the Greenock police are about the very last crowd I should have anything to do with. As a matter of fact, Greenock is the best police ridden burgh in Great Britain, and none know this so

well as the Greenock people and the Greenock press, but when they are cracking the skulls of a Port Glasgow crowd they are worthy, as the Telegraph says, of the very highest praise. Well, now, what is to be done to secure a fair trial for our citizens now in Greenock Prison? And further, what is to be done in order to secure a public investigation into the whole conduct of the Greenock Police before the riot, during the riot, and since the riot? Most of those in prison are poor working men, without either knowledge or means to defend themselves. Are these men to be left to the tender mercies of the Greenock Police and a Greenock prosecution? Are only one or two of the men to be defended, and all the other to be thrown to the dogs? Are the Greenock Police to escape scott free without a public inquiry by the Lord Advocate? If not, then the sooner some united action is taken the better, and for that purpose I am perfectly willing to co-operate, either in a public or a private way, to make such arrangements as will secure fair play. I would suggest that a public meeting be held in the Town Hall early next week, that funds be at once obtained in order to secure the very best legal ability available. If this be done, I have no fear of the result. Yours, etc., James McLaughlan.

13

Housing, Fashion & Advertising.

Housing, fashion and advertising were all very different at this time. Often there would be more than 10 family members sharing one room in a small, cramped apartment. There were open sewers in the roads, and conditions were quite rough. Fashion was different for the rich & the poor, with big dresses for the rich women, and hand me downs for the normal, working class women. Advertising was around, although not as consuming as it is nowadays. Food was advertised, as were companies and shops. Shown on the left page is an advert for Walkers Sugar Refinery in Greenock. This refinery was one of 14 in the area. Top Image features the old Dalrymple Street in Greenock, and the bottom two images show the old Highlanders School & Broad Close, which is now demolished. These are good examples of how people lived & how they attended school at this time.

Housing Poems
by St Columbas S3 ASDAN
As clean as a horse As dirty as a rat In Greenock you wouldnt get better than that Bogin wee waines Jumping on trains Getting to work And back again Smashed in the windows by bottles and bricks little boys getting hit with sticks Doing the toilet on the street No shoes on your feet Nothing to eat So take nothing for granted Be grateful and proud Of Old Greenock Town - Reegan Kelly The Old Streets of Greenock were not at all nice, Mostly everyone was riddled with lice . From the slaughterhouse, blood would flow down the street, Who only knows what would be stuck to your feet? One man was hung in the Old West Kirk, While immigrants were shipped in, looking for work. I wouldnt like to live here and neither would you, I mean would you like to have an outside loo? by Shannon Docherty People came to oor wee toon Very poor and lived in one room Families had loads of weans, Running around with the pains With nothing to eat, Not even a bit of meat Even trying to get into bed Was a fight, you got hit in the head When there was ten in a bed by Kyla Downie

15

Cappielow - More than just a football field, a Scottish Cup Semi - Final, an International visit, and ladies of Inverclyde take action for the Suffragette Movement!

SCOTLAND.
H.G Rennie (Hibernian) H. Allan (Hearts) H. Wilson (Third Lanark) J. Campbell (Celtic) R. Walker (Hearts) R. C. Hamilton (Rangers) Buik (Hearts) A. McMahon (Celtic) A. Smith (Rangers) J. Drummond (Rangers) J. Robertson (Rangers)

Owens (Wrexham) R. Morris (Druids) J. L. Jones (Tottenham Hotspur) Morris (Chirk)

H. Morgan-Owens (Oxford University) Griffiths (Wrexham) W. J. Jones (West Ham) H. Blew (Wrexham) L.R. Roose (Stoke)

A. Meredith (Manchester City)

M. Parry (Liverpool)

WALES.

Not just a Football Field!

Grazing Sheep, Glenpark Harriers and a visit from some Olympic Medalists...
Cappielow, the home ground of Greenock Morton Football Club, has been used for other purposes than football over the years. It was often used as a race track, and it has even been rumoured to have at one point been home to one or two sheep, who used to graze upon the grass, and keep it nice and short! Greenock Glenpark Harriers held an annual Sports meeting at Cappielow from the early 20s to the 30s and attracted a large number of competitors and large crowds of spectators to their meetings each year. Eric Liddell competed, together with the touring Canadian Olympic team before the 1924 Olympic Games at Paris. In one of Liddells biographies he relates how, in the usual fashion before starting blocks were used in sprint races he used his trowel to dig his starting holes in the cinder track at the start of the 100 yards race. After winning the race he walked back up the sprint straight to retrieve his trowel, only to find it was missing from the grass edge where he had left it, and realised that it had been stolen. He said it was the only time in his long career of competing throughout Scotland and England that this had happened to him.

LIMITED COMPANY!
Morton Football Club formed a limited company on July 30th 1896, with the full name of The Greenock Morton Football and Athletic Club Limited. A limited company means that the club would now benefit from limited liability. This meant that if the Club was to get into financial difficulties they would only be liable to pay the amount of capital invested in the business. A limited company is owned by its shareholders and managed by its directors. The first directors to be appointed were:William B. McMillan, Advertising Agent, Greenock; Daniel M. Storer, Printer, Greenock; Neil M. Brown, Wine Merchant, Port Glasgow; James Farrell, Grocer, Greenock; David Caldwell, Grocer, Greenock; James McAlpine, Wine Merchant, Greenock; Robert Dixon, Accountant, Greenock; James McFarlane, Clerk, Port Glasgow; James L. Wilson, Timekeeper, Greenock; James A. Kilgour, Engineer, Greenock; Robert Collins, Clerk, Greenock.

Greenock Morton :

17

SCOTTISH CUP SEMI FINAL V RANGERS

The first team from lower Renfrewshire to make it so far in the Scottish Cup...
In 1897 Morton managed to secure themselves a place in the Semi Finals of the Scottish Cup, finding themselves up against Rangers. It was the first time a Club from the lower ward of Renfrewshire had made it so far in the tournament, ensuring that Greenock was gripped by cup tie fever! A record number of spectators crammed into Cappielow for the game on March 13th 1897, at least 12,000, little short of the grounds capacity! There was a full brass band show put on for the spectators, as the ground opened 3 hours before kick off. The game proved to be a bit of a let down for the excited Morton fans, as by half time Rangers had already scored 4 goals. Spurred on by the score, Morton began with a more aggressive attack in the second half, scoring 2 goals. Unfortunately Rangers were the better side on the day and the game ended with an easy 7-2 defeat. Although disappointing, this was Mortons first, but certainly not last, taste of what a big football occasion was like!

THE GREENOCK TELEGRAPH AND CLYDE SHIPPING GAZETTE, MONDAY, MARCH 17, 1902

SATURDAYS INTERNATIONAL
SCOTLAND, 5 ; WALES, 1

INTERESTING CONTEST ENORMOUS CROWDS.

The big football event in Greenock on Saturday passed off most successfully. As regards to the play, the game was throughout full of interest, and although on the losing side, the Welshmen gave a display which had for a good part of the afternoon an unsettling effect on the Scottish defence, and which was no less admired by the 12,000 spectators than the free and confident going of the home forwards and the smart tackling of the three halves behind them. The unprecedented interest in the match at Cappielow was shown by the early movement of footballers in the direction of the ground. Considerably before two oclock the thoroughfares in the East End of the town began to assume a busy aspect, and even before the time announced for the opening of the gates large numbers had presented themselves for admission. In the all-important matter of weather the event had not been so well favoured as might have been wished. Several heavy showers of rain fell in the forenoon with, however, intervals of bright sunshine, and these conditions practically continued up till the beginning of the match. A great deal of attention had been paid during the week to the pitch, and it was no fault of the Morton directors and their grounds men that the turf had a somewhat sodden look, particularly in front of each goal. To meet the exceptional demands on the accommodation of Cappielow extra seating was provided in the vicinity of the pavilion and on the track immediately opposite the grand stand. A slight effort was also made at decoration, both the pavilion and the stand being set off with a display of bunting. For the entertainment of the crowd, the band of 1st Renfrew and Dumbarton Volunteer Artillery went through a programme of lively musical selections reminiscent of Glasgow Exhibition - which pleasantly whiled away the interval of waiting, and this was supplemented by a young vocalist and dancer who is a familiar figure on all the big football occasions in the city. As the time wore on the crowd rapidly increased in dimensions. The electric cars and special trains from Gourock and Greenock Central as well as from Glasgow, were largely patronised, with the result that a constant stream of spectators poured into the enclosure, which at the time of the kick-off was all but filled to its utmost capacity.

THE GAME
At 3:30 prompt the Scottish team led by Campbell, emerged from the pavilion, the band tunefully reminding them that Nows the day and nows the hour. They looked a promising lot as they ranged themselves in front of the camera in their natty light blue. To the strains of Men of Harlech the Welshmen then faced Mr Walker, the photographer, and when they entered the field the cheers which greeted them were even more hearty than for the Scots. Their colours were white and green. Scotland won the toss, and put their back to the strong breeze. Almost ten minutes late Morgan Owen kicked off for Wales. Scotland got possession, and seemed about to settle into a run, but Blew cleared nicely, sending the ball well up. His men got well away, and Parry sent in a nice shot, which went past. A spell of pressure by the home men followed, in which Campbell and McMahon were prominent. From a break away Hamilton sent in a deadly shot, which Roose had to punt over the bar. The corner kick was fruitless. McMahon was fouled for a back charge, and the free kick let Wales into Scots territory. Meredith sent in a stinger, and Rennie had difficulty in clearing, several of the Welshmen getting in on him and embarrassing him greatly. He retrieved himself well, however, and threw far out, and relief was given, when Wales put the ball behind. The game was now promising an even tackle. Scotland, however, kept the right side of the mid line. A pretty bit of play by Walker and Campbell ended in the player sending a shot across the goal mouth which looked odds on it screwing into the net. It just went outside by a few inches. Transferring play to the other end, Wales looked threatening, W. J. Jones bringing McMahon to his knees to stop a ball, which, however, was not quite well aimed. A foul for Scotland and a big kick by Drummond took the play into the Welsh quarter. A nice piece of combination between McMahon and Smith looked promising, but

19

SCOTLAND.
H.G Rennie (Hibernian) H. Allan (Hearts) H. Wilson (Third Lanark) J. Campbell (Celtic) R. Walker (Hearts) R. C. Hamilton (Rangers) Buik (Hearts) A. McMahon (Celtic) A. Smith (Rangers) J. Drummond (Rangers) J. Robertson (Rangers)

Owens (Wrexham) R. Morris (Druids) J. L. Jones (Tottenham Hotspur) Morris (Chirk)

H. Morgan-Owens (Oxford University) Griffiths (Wrexham) W. J. Jones (West Ham) H. Blew (Wrexham) L.R. Roose (Stoke)

A. Meredith (Manchester City)

M. Parry (Liverpool)

WALES.
Wales relieved. Griffiths was on the run, and had cleverly eluded Drummond, when the latter brought him to the ground. The resulting free kick was all in favour of Wales, and Morris, the Druid, gave Rennie a hot one to hold. The old Mortonian was heartily applauded for what was undoubtedly a very smart save. A long spell of very equal play followed, a noticeable feature of which was the weakness of Drummond under pressure. From a scuffle near Roose, McMahon headed in, but the custodian held the ball and threw out just as the Colt flung himself bodily over the goal line. McMahon was the hero in the next noticeable passage. He was on the point of shooting just outside the penalty line when he was glaringly tripped up. From the free kick Robertson got possession, and from twenty yards out he SCORED WITH A FINE LOW SHOT, Roose being taken rather unawares. This was within ten minutes of half time, and the subsequent play seemed as if it would furnish a second point for the Thistle Representatives. This was almost brought about by Campbell, a shoot from whom was stopped feebly on the goal line. Before Roose could recover Hamilton had the ball into the net, but the whistle had previously blown for an infringement. Half - time was shortly afterwards sounded, the advantage being in favour of Scotland by one to nothing. A sensational bit of play marked the opening of the second half. Scotland early pressed, the ball being driven hard against the crossbar. From the rebound Buick sent in a high drive, which Roose made to punt out, but he missed the ball, and so gifted Scotland her second goal. In this half Campbell went into centre, Walker being brought to inside right, while Hamilton essayed the outside position. The remodelling of the line was attended with complete success. Inside fourteen minutes play other two goals were scored, one by Smith and the other by Walker. Wales did not seem in any way disheartened by these reverses, and keeping well into home quarters their pluck was at length rewarded by Morgan-Owens, The Oxford Varsity forward, completely outwitting Rennie with a shot taken from about the penalty line. Play was a little exciting after this, and a fifth goal by Campbell completed the scoring.

WOMEN DEMAND THE VOTE!

The position of women in society took a great step forward with the passing of the Married Womens Property Acts of 1870 and 1882. Before the Acts became law, when a woman married she surrendered everything she owned, property and money, to her husband. Legally her possessions were now his, and he could, (and frequently did), squander the wifes estate while she had no means of preventing him, nor of claiming any form of compensation. This was a situation which caused much misery to women - especially those from prosperous families. With the passing of the Womens Property Legislation all that changed. From then on the female partners private estate remained her own and was no longer forfeited at marriage. However, women did not have the vote. They were allowed a say in local and Council elections, but the national vote was denied them. With no vote they had no voice in the running of their country, and the vote was seen as the key to social and economic improvement. Soon after the granting of the franchise to male householders, the British women began to press for an equal footing. In Greenock, as elsewhere, the female citizens were enthusiastic about the struggle and organised petitions, delegations, meetings, rallies etc,. to further the cause. Female Suffrage was one of the great issues of the day. The movement certainly made its presence felt in Inverclyde back in 1913 when suffragettes burned down Kelly House, a 30,000 mansion in Wemyss Bay. All over the country women were burning buildings in hope that insurance companies would put pressure on the government to give in to their demands.

21

Above - Disabled Heroes, cartoon by Tom Ross. 1914 -1918

Left- Suffragettes gathering signatures. Opposite Page 1. A Suffragette campaign illustration 2. A Suffragette giving a speech in public.

THE GREENOCK TELEGRAPH AND CLYDE SHIPPING GAZETTE, MONDAY, JANUARY 3, 1911

FOOTBALL
MORTON V PORT GLASGOW ATHLETIC

FIRST FOOT IN AT CAPPIELOW

The local football rivals brought in the New Year by playing their first league match for the season at Cappielow on Saturday. Unfortunately the weather was stormy, and this, as was to be expected, adversely affected the gate. Teams Morton Robertson, Stewart, Gibsen, Newman; Nugent, Hendry, Scoular, Walker, Hamilton, McCubbin and Lindsay. Port Glasgow Montgomery, Jackson, Lynch, Colville, Thomson, Munro, Hamilton, Hagan, McDonald, T. and R Findlay. Referee J.Bell, Dundee. Before 2,500 spectators the Port opened against a strong wind. Morton left wing forced play, Jackson putting into touch. Hamilton galloped off for Port till met by the home right half back, who by fine placing gave walker an opening. The parting shot went wide. The brothers Findlay were a capable wing on the Port side, and the understanding between the pair gave Stewart and others plenty to do. Scoular rather surprised Lynch by taking the ball from his toe, and, following a save by Montgomery, the ball was grandly returned by Lindsay, striking the cross bar and going over. Hamilton, the home centre, was watching for a chance, and fifteen minutes from the start he opened the scoring with a lovely drive, the goal being one of the finest seen taking on home ground this season. A heavy pressure was then put on but Morton defence was steady and few mistakes were made. Robertson, who reappeared after being out of the team for a number of weeks, was several times called upon to deal with shots, which he did with his wonted coolness. For the Port, Jackson was a strong defender, and his club were indebted to him for checkmating the Morton rushes and getting them out of many a tight corner. The state of the ground did not make for fast play, yet in the game there was much good football, and both set of forwards were aggressively active. A minute or two from the interval an exciting melee took place at Morton goal. Robertson, with ball in hand was then surrounded by half of the Port team, and it looked as if the equaliser would come, but the goalkeeper eventually cleared, and with the sound of the whistle the players retired to the pavilion. Half time, Morton, 1 ; Port, 0 A spirited burst by the Port was finished by Macdonald, who had a clear chance, putting the ball into the middle of the net amid the plaudits of the Clune Park crowd. Football was of a robust character, both clubs playing in fearless style and pressuring keenly. Morton were the most dangerous but failed to add to their score. Result ; One goal each.

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The announcement of The First World War, the role women played in it, how the men from Inverclyde were recruited, and what was happening with football.

THE GREENOCK TELEGRAPH AND CLYDE SHIPPING GAZETTE, MONDAY, AUGUST 9, 1914

WAR STIR IN GREENOCK

SUNDAY EXCITEMENT

DEPARTURE OF NAVAL RESERVISTS

The serious developments of events in the Near East crisis occasioned great excitement in Greenock yesterday. The intimation was made at midday through the Telegraph that Germany had declared war against France, and the crowded condition of the streets during the afternoon and evening left no doubt as to the interest the critical situation had created among the populace. From early in the day thousands were attracted to the main thoroughfare, and the special gratis issue of the Telegraph in the afternoon was eagerly sought, while the later edition was also in great demand. The quick development in the crisis formed the sole topic of conversation, and groups gathered at every corner and discussed the situation with feverish excitement. BOER WAR RECALLED The scenes recalled the stirring times witnessed during the Boer War. Animation was evident everywhere, but there was a complete absence of demonstration. Excitement increased when it became known that the Royal Naval Reserve had been called up. The order for mobilisation of the Greenock contingent was received by Mr George M. M. Rae, superintendent, Mercantile Marine Office during the forenoon. These are men employed on steamers and local towing boats, who undergo active training for twenty-eight days every two years. Numbering about 100, they reported themselves at the Mercantile Marine Office, Customhouse Buildings, and left the Central Station and 8:30 en route for Portsmouth. It had been rumoured during the day that the Royal Naval Volunteer Reserve were to leave from Customhouse Quay at 7:30, and a crowd, numbering several thousands, gathered from six oclock onwards in Brymner Street in anticipation of their departure. The rumour proved to be incorrect, but the interest of the crowd was taken up by the arrival of the Royal Naval Reserve at the Customhouse Buildings. The men, the majority of whom were in civilian dress, left in small groups, and their departure to the station was witnessed by large crowds. There was an entire absence of demonstration. A large force of police guarded the station entrance, and only the relatives of the Reservists were allowed within the station. AFFECTING SCENES. Several compartments were reserved for the men. A large number of those leaving were married, and when the train made its appearance about 8:30 there was affecting scenes between husband, wives and children. As the train moved off a hearty cheer was raised by the men and responded to by their friends. A number of the Reservists who were unable to report themselves yesterday left from Central Station this morning. Orders from the mobilisation of the Greenock detachment of the Royal Naval Volunteer Reserve were also issued yesterday. About 80 men have been called out. These, it is understood, comprise the Reserves who have previously undertaken service afloat during the training season. The appearance of the men on the street carrying their kit bags aroused much curiosity. The Volunteers remained overnight at Seafield, and today were awaiting further orders. As will be seen from advertising columns, members of the National Reserve qualified to join classes 1 and 2 are recommended to enrol at once with Colonel Lamont. The possibility of the beacon and lighthouse lights on the river and Firth of Clyde being extinguished as a precautionary measure has been discussed, but it is learned from the Clyde Lighthouse Trust at Port Glasgow that such action was not contemplated at present, though should Britain become involved it was considered possible that such action might be taken.

TELEGRAPH WAR SPECIALS

HOW GREENOCK GOT THE NEWS On account of the critical condition of the nations affairs, we yesterday issued in the morning posters in the main streets, giving the first intimation in Greenock of Germanys decision to fight Russia. Later we published a special gratis edition of the Telegraph containing the latest telegrams bearing on the crisis, which was eagerly sought after, and read with interest. In the evening we issued another special edition, giving the latest news received from London and the Continent, and the eagerness with which our entire issue was brought up reflected the great interest that was taken in the matter by the public of Greenock.

25 to the German soldier that if he is ordered to set foot on Belgian soil the British Navy will take instant action against Germany.

IF BRITAIN GOES TO WAR

Will Troops Go To Continent.
Whatever the outcome of the present tension, I believe, says the parliamentary representative of the Daily Chronicle, that the Cabinet have definitely decided not to send an expeditionary force abroad. The jingoes who want us to send a British army to fight on the Continent will be disappointed, but every sane patriot will rejoice at this decision. If the cabinet go to war, it will be a reasonable assumption that they could not find any reasonable way of avoiding it. Mr Asquith, Sir Edward Grey, and their colleagues have laboured without ceasing for peace. They are not the men to plunge lightly into war. For all that, some of their staunchest supporters will not forgive them for participation in war which we have no direct concern. It is understood, says the Daily Telegraph, that the Cabinet has reserved the right for troops to be employed on the Continent if circumstances render such a step desirable.

THE WAR.

REPORTED BRITISH NOTE TO GERMANY, LUXEMBURG AND BELGIUM

Todays Standard has the following : The English Ambassador in Berlin yesterday handed to the Imperial German Chancellors Note from the English Government requesting an explanation of the violation by Germany of the neutrality of Luxembourg, which is guaranteed by a treaty to which Great Britain was a party. Todays Daily Mail says : We understand that an intimation has been conveyed

THE WAR CONTINUES

britains call to her women
IMPORTANT BOARD OF TRADE ANNOUNCEMENT

THE NEEDS OF NATIONAL INDUSTRY. SERVICES REQUESTED TO RELEASE MEN. EVERY WOMAN SHOULD REGISTER. The president of the board of trade wishes to call attention to the fact that in the present emergency, if the full fighting power of the nation is to be put forth on the field of battle, the full working power of the nation must be made available to carry on its essential trades at home. Already in certain important occupations, there are not enough men and women to do the work. This shortage will certainly spread to other occupations as more and more men join the fighting forces. In order to meet both the present and the future needs of national industry during the war, the Government wish to obtain particulars of the women available, with or without the previous training, for paid employment. Accordingly, they invite all women who are prepared, if needed, to take paid employment of any kind industrial, agricultural, clerical to enter themselves upon the Register of Women for War Service which is being prepared by the Board of Trade Labour Exchanges. Any woman living in a town where there is a Labour Exchange can register by going there in person. If she is not near a Labour Exchange, she can get a form of registration from the local agency of the Unemployment Fund. Forms will also be sent out through a number of womens societies. The object of registration is to find out what reserve force of womens labour, trained or untrained, can be made available if required. As from time to time actual openings for employment present themselves, notice will be given through the Labour Exchanges, with full details as to the nature of work, conditions and pay, and, so far as any special training is necessary, arrangements will if possible be made for the purpose.

Any woman who by working helps to release a man or to equip a man for fighting does nations way service. Every woman should register who is able and willing to take employment. Board of trade, Queen Anne Chambers, Broadway, Westminster, S.W March 1915

GREENOCK RECRUITING
NEW WAR OFFICE ORDERS. ARMAMENT WORKERS NOW ELIGIBLE Intimation has been received at the brymner street recruiting office that recruits may now be enlisted for regular reserve battalions in Scotland of not less than 5ft 2in in height. Men of good physique, whose chest measurement is not less than 34 1/2in (expanded) , and 5ft 1in in height, may make special application. The order advising Recruiting Officers not to accept workmen, engaged in the production of war material and railway employees has now been withdrawn. Men previously rejected on account of defective teeth, but who are otherwise physically fit, may now submit themselves for re-examination, and if, in the opinion of the medical officer and a dentist, they are fit for service, and if willing, they can be enlisted, and receive what dental treatment is necessary at the depot to which they are assigned. Commencing on Monday first a medical officer and a dentist will be in attendance at the recruiting office between one and two oclock to examine men of this class. Recruiting has been normal during the week, but these orders, opening up a new field for recruits, are expected to have a stimulating effect. Recruiting is still closed for artillery and cavalry regiments. All infantry regiments are open

SPORT, FOOTBALL AND THE WAR

Proposed Action By Greenock Clubs

Circulars have been received by local harriers and other athletic clubs with reference to the movement for the formation of an Athletes Volunteer Force. It is pointed out that there are thousands of sportsmen in Great Britain who, although physically fit, are not trained to arms, and who feel themselves at this stage helpless though anxious to aid in the defence of their country. It is proposed to form throughout the kingdom, an organisation of sportsmen who are willing to act in defence of their King and Country. In a month, or six weeks an elementary knowledge of drill and rifle shooting can be obtained. It is remarked that in the event of the regular troops and the territorials being hard pressed the existence of the athletes volunteer force afford an extra feeling of security to the nation, and be of inestimable value. In the event of a local unit being formed it is intended to co-operate with associations which have been formed on similar lines. In Greenock the proposal has been cordially received. The idea, a harrier official points out, seems a good one so long as it does not interfere with men who are eligible for the existing force. There should not be much difficulty in starting a company in Greenock, and steps should be taken without delay to convene a meeting of the secretaries of the various clubs.

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VOLUNTEER APPEAL
Councillor R. G. Adam writes; Single men of Greenock, I was sure you would not disappoint me in my appeal for volunteers. It will be some satisfaction to you to know that recruits have come in large numbers since I asked your help. More are wanted yet: dont hold back. If you are fit and willing, drill will come easily to you. Think what Belgium has done for us, and your own British troops marching 30 miles and fighting a terrific battle for three days without a rest. You can do the same, I am sure. If you want proof of what I say, go to Drums park and see recruits in hundreds made fit and useful with one weeks training. It is a treat to see a man well trained.

THE KINGS ATTITUDE

In a letter to Mr.F.N Charrington, the well known London temperance worker, the Kings Private Secetary writes:The question raised in your telegram to the king has received the careful consideration and respect due to anyone speaking with your great experience and authority. I gather that the Football Association are in direct communication, with the War Office and that a general desire has been expressed by the association to assist in obtaining recruits for the Army. I understand, in giving that there may be difficulties in giving up all the matches of professional clubs in view of contracts which have been made with players. But the doings of the Association will be carefully followed, having regard to the kings position as its patron. I remain yours faithfully. STAMFORDHAM

THE 1922 SCOTTISH

H CUP TRIUMPH

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Morton beat Vale of Leithen, Clydebank, Clyde, Motherwell and Aberdeen on their amazing journey to the 1922 Scottish Cup Final at Hampden, where they were set to take on Glasgow Rangers. Morale and confidence were running low within the Morton side during the run up to the game, even so much that they didnt have any plans to return to Greenock after the game. Instead, convinced that they would be defeated, Morton planned to head straight to England to play a friendly match against Hartlepools United. The team and supporters received a further blow to their confidence when it was announced that their top goal scorer, George French, would not be playing. French had sustained an injury in a previous game & had not yet recovered! The team on the day consisted of Edwards, McIntyre and Brown; Gourlay, Wright and McGregor (Captain); McNab and Mckay, Buchanan, A.Brown and McMinn. 75,000 fans gathered at Hampden for the big game, many of them supporters from Greenock who had travelled there on the many trains and vehicles organised for the big event. Despite Mortons worries, Rangers were not playing at their best in the early stages. Soon after the first ten minutes had passed, Morton were granted a direct free kick after the Rangers goalkeeper carried the ball over the 18 yard line. Mortons luck took a turn for the better as Jimmy Gourlay came to take the free kick, when he calmly took his shot - hitting the ball high into the top corner of the oppositions net. This spurred Morton on to play a great defensive game to finish up one nil, making Morton the Winners of the 1922 Scottish Cup Final.

1922 - La Gazette This is an image showing a more upper class style of fashion seen in 1922. You can imagine that this is somewhat different from what the average woman in Inverclyde would have been wearing during the 1920s. This image was found via LaraCorset.com.

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The announcement of The Second World War, Ration Books, the Big Depression, and one of Mortons Greatest Ever Players is introduced.

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The great depression

- AND WILLIAM GIBSON.
1

William Gibson was a footballer who played for Greenock Morton Football Club during the years before the Great Depression. He was part of the Scottish Cup winning team of 1922, and was in receipt of one of only 13 medals made for the winners of that year. During the Great Depression when times were economically and financially difficult, he was forced to head overseas to the United States, firstly as an Engineer, and then again in later years as a Football Player, showing that the people of Inverclyde were going through difficult times during the Depression. These documents and photographs were kindly donated to us for use by William Gibsons son, who is still living in Inverclyde to this day.

4 5

1. Medal Awarded to William Gibson for being part of the Winning 1922 Scottish Cup team. 2. Permit for Gibson to enter the United States in May of 1931, during the Great Depression. 3. Passport of William Gibson, showing his profession as Football Player 4. William Gibson with bicycle 5. William Gibson pictured with his family, with him at the wheel of the vehicle.

WWII AND INVERCLYDE

EMERGENCY EDITION OF THE GREENOCK TELEGRAPH RELEASED ON MAY 9TH 1941.
One of the most intense raids on Britain was launched on Clydeside on Tuesday Night. H.E. and incendiaries dropped on centre of one town over prolonged period. Much damage due to fires. Casualties reported heavy but not excessively so considering the scale of raid. Dwellinghouses suffered severely. Defence services, aided by personnel of the armed forces, did magnificent work in rescuing buried people and extinguishing fires. All worked heroically even at height of Blitz. Churches and schools heavily damaged. Biggest R.C Church burned out. Devastating damage to homes in Corporation housing schemes. Many saved by shelters. Heavy barrage maintained. Flares dropped by Germans shot out by tracer bullets. In one case fleeing people machine-gunned by Nazi planes. High explosives and incendiaries dropped on adjacent town. Fire watcher and civilian killed. Three taken to hospital injured. Number homeless. Relief plans in action as soon as raid over. Assistance rendered from other places. Postmaster asked persons whose homes or business destroyed to tell Post Office an address for delivery of letters.

WWII -

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RATION BOOKS
Rationing was introduced in 1940 to ensure the supply of essential and non-essential foods, clothing, furniture and petrol during World War Two. Before the war, Britain imported fifty-five million tons of food per month, but once hostilities began this dropped to 12 million tons as the Germans tried to cut-off supplies by attacking British ships. All households in the country were issued with ration books to ensure that food and other goods were allocated fairly, that prices didnt rise beyond the means of the less well-off and that people didnt hoard supplies. A typical weekly allowance of food for an adult consisted of: 2oz (50g) butter, 4oz (100g) bacon and ham, 4oz (100g) margarine, 8oz (225g) sugar, 3 pints of milk, 50g (2oz) cheese, 1 fresh egg, 50g (2oz) tea and meat to the value of 1s 2d equivalent to about 6 pence today. 1lb (450g) of jam was allowed every two months, 1 packet of dried eggs and 12oz (350g) of sweets every four weeks. The end of rationing began in 1948 but continued long after the war for many products, finally ending when restrictions on meat and bacon were lifted at midnight on 4 July 1954.

Above - This photograph from the Scotsman Newspaper shows ration books being distributed.

Right - A page from a wartime ration book for butter and margarine, 1941. Opposite Page - 1. Baxter Street, 2. Belville Street 3. Cowan and 4. Wesburn Sugar Refinery - all casualties of the Blitz.

GOALKEEPer extraordinaire
The story of one of Mortons greatest ever players...
Jimmy Cowan is undisputedly Mortons greatest ever goalkeeper. For many years he held the record of Scottish Goalkeeping, with his impressive 25-cap. He was Scotlands number one goalkeeper between 1948-52, always wearing a Morton blue and white hooped jersey under his Scotland goalkeepers jersey when playing. James Cowan was born in Paisley in 1926. He was picked up by Morton on a free transfer in May of 1944. Shortly after in June of 1944, Cowan enlisted for the army and his Morton career was put on hold. He played for the British Army during his war service and his reputation reached far and wide as such. Cowan made his league debut for Morton in January 1947, making an immediate impact by saving two penalties. This was Cowans only appearance for the team that season as he had to return to the army once again. On leaving the army, Cowan went straight back into the Morton team in November 1947. With the team boasting

37 27

other great players, they made it into the 1948 Scottish Cup against Rangers. The game is largely remembered for its huge crowds; 131,629 spectators witnessed the 1-1 draw and 133,570 fans witnessed the replay. Rangers won the match 1-0, and there were speculations after the game that Cowan had been momentarily blinded by a photographers flash, causing him to miss the ball. His greatness was, perhaps, best shown during the Scotland v England game of 1949, the game which would later be referred to as Cowans Match. Cowan made countless fantastic saves, providing Scotland with a 3-1 win. He continued to wow the Morton supporters during his time at the club, and only in 1953, after Morton had been relegated the previous season, did he move to Sunderland for 9,000. He retired from football just three years later in 1956. He took over a pub in Greenock, and filled it with memorabilia from his time at Morton and his career as one of Scotlands Greatest Goalkeepers.

P. Wright - Confectioner, 1931 This is a good example of both advertising and fashion during this era. Here we have a Mr. P. Wright, who owned a confectioner store. We can see him dressed quite smartly, and some familiar brands, Rowntrees and Cadburys.

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There is a foreign invasion beginning at Morton, who is the Man In Black? and we get an interview one of the Clubs all time legends, Mr Morton.

Morton Legend - Billy Steele

Billy Steele, born 1st May 1923, was one of Scotlands greatest inside forwards. He played for Morton between 1942 - 47, and made many appearances for Scotland. He was entered in to the Scottish Football Hall of Fame in 2006.

THE GREAT Danish TAKE OVER

During the 1963-64 season, a friendly match took place between the Danish Club Bronshoj of Copenhagen, and Morton. The game showcased the talents of goalkeeper Anne Nielson, prompting Morton to make an enquiry about him coming to Cappielow. Morton were advised by the Bronshoj manager that if they were after a talented goalkeeper, they should be enquiring about the current Danish Internationalist, Erik Sorensen. Sorensen was flown over to Cappielow and was signed to the Club, before anyone had even seen him perform. He made his first match appearance in a friendly game that evening, and the following morning everyone

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was curious to know who the Man In Black was, and Who was Mr. X? The truth about Sorensens origins soon came out, and it seemed that Morton had opened up a new avenue in Scottish Football, as Dundee United, Aberdeen and Hearts all tried to go down the same path. Luckily for Morton, they now had a contact, and over the next ten years, a steady flow of high class players and talent made its way across to Greenock and signed for the Club. Sorensen, who started this great venture, returned to Cappielow in 1970 after some time at Glasgow Rangers, and became manager for a short time in 1974.

Allan mcgraw - mister morton One of Mortons greatest all time players speaks to us...
We were lucky enough to meet Mr McGraw and were given an interview when he attended our exhibition in March 2011: What was your best moment when you were playing for Morton? Its very difficult, I had a lot of great moments. I suppose one of them is scoring a goal in the Semi Final which got us into the Cup Final. Another time I scored four goals against Kilmarnock the year they won the league. Im fortunate, every game was a pleasure to me and I can remember them all. Do you always check for Morton when checking football results at the weekend? Yep, its the first result I look for every time. Do you still go down to Cappielow? No, I havent been back for a long time. I dont think an ex manager can go because the manager in the dug outs is looking behind him, over his shoulder. So, I dont go. Do you still keep in touch with any of your fellow players and team mates? Oh yeah. Aye, I always keep in touch with them. There are fewer and fewer now, some of them are dying off. But there are some I still keep in touch with. Are you regarded as a morton legend? Do you feel like a legend? No, its more of a leg end to me, not a legend! No I dont feel like that, im just an ordinary man, who liked playing football. I enjoyed it, thats all I can think about.

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Allan McGraw was born on July 29th 1939 in Govan, Glasgow. He signed for Morton in the season of 1960 - 1961, having previously spent three years with Renfrew Juniors Football Club. He holds the record for most goals in a season in Scottish Football, which he achieved while he was at Morton. He was the Clubs top goal scorer in five consecutive seasons, helping the team to two promotions and a Scotish League Cup final appearance. He left the club for Hibernian in 1966, where he stayed for three years. He returned to the club as a manager in 1985, where he had some success with his team. He left in 1997 having served the club for a total of thirty six years as a player, coach and manager.

Who was your favourite footballer to play alongside at Morton? There are too many! Joe Caven was great for me, Jimmy Mallon was my pal. He, I would have thought, was the start of the attacking full backs. Boyd, Reilly - they were all great players. Thats why it was easy for me, because I played with a good team. How Many goals did you score with morton? I cant remember, I know it was 58 in one season. But I cant remember how many I Scored in total. Thats still the leading goals scored in a season for Morton isnt it? Yep, I think its the leader for Britain! What was it like playing at Morton? It was good, it was great. You enjoyed it. There was a good crowd, and it was a good laugh. The supporters were great. You could enjoy your football. I think that today, players dont enjoy their football. Thats what it looks like to me. I loved it. I really loved it - Especially when things were going well. Most of the time when I was the captain we played well, you know? We didnt have many bad seasons. We had one or two but we didnt have many. So it was good.

P.C Street - Girls Playing, 1954 This image shows us a glimpse of both the fashion and housing of Inverclyde in 1954. We can see people of numerous ages, and there is a great example of housing in the background.

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Introducing one of the Clubs all time legendary players, a run in with an equally as famous horse, and a sit in at a Greenock Factory that made Headline news.

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3 Goals
in Seven Minutes!

Morton Set a Record - 1968/69 Danish striker Per Bartram scores a record three goals in seven minutes against 1968/69 Cup Final winners Glasgow Celtic, all before the game reaches 15 minutes.

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Morton Legend - Andy Ritchie

Andy Ritchie was born in 1956 in Glasgow. He started his professional career by signing with Celtic at just seventeen years of age. Turning down a 4 year deal with Celtic in 1976, Ritchie made the decision to move to Morton...

ANDY RITCHIE

Morton Legend Andy Ritchie meets the legendary Red Rum, three times winner of the Grand National.

THE LEGEND
As Celtic were looking for a goalkeeper at the time, a deal was made, moving Roy Baines to Parkhead, and Ritchie moved to Cappielow, along with a payment to Morton of 10,000. Celtic were actually paying Morton to take Andy Ritchie off of their hands! Andy quickly showed his star potential, scoring a double in his second match for the team againt Montrose. One of his goals was scored directly from a free kick, the image of which was only seen in those days if youd had a chance to catch a glimpse of the 1970 Mexico World Cup, from the likes of Pele and Rivelino. Realising his love for this technique, it quickly became an integral part of Ritchies game.

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Red Rum Opens New Betting Office

Two sporting favourites were at Port Glasgow today to make sure that a new betting office in Princes Street got off to a good start. Three-times winner of the Grand National, Red Rum, was officially the celebrity invited to open the Horse Race Totaliser Boards new betting office in Princes Street - but had a little help from Morton personality player Andy Ritchie. You can safely bet that Red Rum was the runaway winner with the crowds at the opening! But Andy had a second favourite for the afternoon he chose to put 100 given to him by the Board on Claudio Nicolai in the 2:55 at Lincoln. Any winnings from the race will go to charity. - Greenock Telegraph, Saturday 24 March 1979

THE GREENOCK TELEGRAPH ONLINE, PUBLISHED 17 JAN 2011 14:00

LEES JEANS FACToRY SIT IN

In 1981, 240 women barricaded themselves into the Lee Jeans factory in Greenock for an incredible seven months after bosses tried to shift work to a plant in Northern Ireland. Today, three workers - Margaret Wallace, Helen Monaghan and Catherine Robertson - look back on the struggle and tell how their epic battle forged a bond that will never be broken. When bosses of American clothing giant Lee Jeans told the 240 working-class women from Greenock they were losing their jobs, they expected to have a fight on their hands. Little did they realise that battle would turn into an incredible seven-month war, fought by the workers with a grit and determination that captured the imagination of the whole country. Shocked by the decision that would condemn them to the dole queue, the ladies barricaded themselves into the factory canteen on 5 February 1981, locked the doors and prepared for the overnight protest they thought would force management into a speedy U-turn. Seven months later, they were still camped down, fighting for their jobs and their livelihoods. The girls are preparing for an emotional reunion next month in Greenocks St Laurences Social Club to mark the 30th anniversary of their landmark victory against the American multi-national company. The event is being organised by former machinists Margaret Wallace, Catherine Robertson and Helen Monaghan, the fiery shop steward who united the women during the historic strike. Speaking to the Tele this week, the trio fondly recalled the amazing story that gripped the nation and made headline news all over the United Kingdom. Helen, 74, said: The company had another factory in Northern Ireland and bit by bit they were moving the work over. As shop steward I knew what was going on and was determined to oppose it. We tried everything to save our jobs, offering to take pay cuts and go to a three-day week - you name it but their minds were made up. They wanted to close us down. Lee was owned by the VF Corporation, who had been given lots of grants to come to Greenock. The way we saw it, our money had set them up here, so this was our factory. They were a massive company, and the odds were stacked against us - but we werent going to go down without a fight. On that first night, 240 workers settled down for a sit-in protest, where they bonded by singing songs, swapping stories and making a midnight trip to the local chippie. Margaret, 49, said: Everyone was in high spirits, as we fully expected the protest to be over by the morning. Catherine and I led everyone in a few songs, we told stories and basically just had a good time. A few people even climbed out the skylight and brought back 240 fish suppers to feed us all. That night will always live in my memory as there was a real sense of camaraderie, although we had no idea what was ahead of us. Helen, now retired, told how a sympathetic staff member cut a key and passed it to the protesters to allow them to split into two eight-hour shifts without alerting unwitting factory chiefs. She said: I wont mention names, but someone got us a front-door key and one of the girls slipped out and got a copy cut. The owners didnt have any idea, but it allowed us to slip in and out. As soon as we realised the sit-in wouldnt be over in a day or two, we knew we had to come up with a rota, with one shift from 8am to 8pm and the others there through the night. As time turned from days into weeks and months, the community began to rally round, donating money, food and other supplies. Catherine, 49, said: It was incredible. Money started coming in from far and wide, and the men from the local shipyards brought us cash and camp beds that we squeezed in through the windows. Even the local butchers brought us food to keep us going and a bus company took us to and from the factory for our sit-ins. It was really overwhelming. Many of the women were the breadwinners for their families, so donations went back out as quickly as they came in. Margaret added: I dont know how much was raised, but it was a tremendous amount of money. We looked at every woman individually, how many mouths they had to feed and their circumstances, and each got what we could afford to keep them afloat. As Helens trusted lieutenants, Catherine and Margaret travelled all over, highlighting the cause of the workers, attending rallies and collecting donations from supporters across Scotland and the north of England. Margaret joked: We were so poor we were cutting two-for-one train ticket vouchers off packs of Persil soap powder to help us get about. That summed up the whole struggle really. The fight hit the headlines across the United Kingdom, making the front page of national newspapers, and with continued coverage in the pages of the Tele.

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The protest even caused a stir at Westminster, resulting in Labour leader Michael Foot visiting the factory, while support also came from political heavyweight Tony Benn. Helen said: Michael Foot was great and told us to keep our heads held high. That buoyed our spirits during what was a difficult time. On 30 April 1981, thousands of Inverclyde shipyard workers also downed tools and attended a rally at the factory. This was the date when a redundancy deal was to be confirmed and rumours spread that attempts would be made by management to forcibly end the occupation. Again, the women stood firm. Helen said: They tried everything to get us out, but we would not be moved. We were a family by this point and although our numbers were down to around 170, we were determined as we were on day one. The champagne was finally uncorked in August, when a buy-out by three former managers saved all 240 jobs. A party was held in Greenock Town Hall to celebrate, during which Helen received a special word of

congratulations. She said: The chief of police came over and shook my hand to say well done. I think he was just glad to see the back of us to be honest. Helen told how she never lost her firebrand attitude, even after the battle was over. She added: Later, I was invited to go down for BBCs Question Time programme and I met Malcolm Rifkind behind the scenes. He wasnt tooo complimentary about the strike and I walked straight out the studio there and then. My husband couldnt believe I was in London and had gone back to sit in my hotel room. Margaret, who now runs the Wee Steamie launderette in Murdieston Street, said: When it started, Catherine and I were just wee lassies. I feel like we grew up during those seven months. Helen was an absolute tower of strength and she deserves so much praise. Nobody wanted to let her down. What we achieved is something I will always be proud of and I cant wait to see everyone again.

An Interview with a life long supporter with some interesting stories to tell, Save The Ton, and Morton are promoted to the Second Division.

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Mr Alistair Witherow - Teacher at St Columbas. Save the Ton was made up of fans & representatives from all the supporter and travel clubs. Some of the clubs involved were Prince of Wales, Morton Supporters Travel Club, Albert Hotel, MISC, Chic Kavanaghs club and Dunoon Morton Supporters. There was no formal set up, although there were some office bearers. Basically anyone with ideas on how to raise funds could join the organisation. We met at least once a week for about 6 months. Save the Ton, with the help of the people of Inverclyde and surrounding areas, raised over 100,000.

Chris Bradley - Lecturer at James Watt College Save the ton was born out of fans heartfelt frustrations in seeing a club with the history of Morton seemingly being ripped apart and dissolved by a chairman only interested in its possibilities of property development and making a quick buck. Fans rallied around to see what they could do to make the owner, fellow fans and the community of Inverclyde realise that a local team plays an important role in the community where it sits and not just for 90 minutes each week. In terms of key moments, two come to mind. A rally and march from Cathcart Square to Cappielow on the last day of the season and Hogmanay when we were under administration, and there was heavy snow falling. The upcoming game at new year was under threat and if didnt take place, there would be no gate money, no players wages and Morton could have folded for ever. Save the Ton mobilised and asked people to come to Cappielow on hogmanay with shovels to clear the snow. As I approached the stadium, heavy snow was still falling and I feared the worst, but already inside, the pitch was full of fans and all day we worked to clear the pitch and terracing. It took ALL day and by the evening any thoughts of heading out for the bells were gone due to tiredness, but it was one of the most inspiring moments Ive had - seeing people coming together for the common good and a couple of days later the game went ahead and the club was saved.

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PROFESSOR JAMES PICKETT

SPOKESMAN FOR THE CONSORTIUM

RECOLLECTIONS OF A LIFETIME SUPPORTER

Ill tell you first about the cup final between Morton and Rangers in 1922, I didnt see that, of course, but my father saw it. And I had a neighbour for a very long time that was a member of the team that won the cup. I was once shown round the Ibrox trophy room, and in the room there is a journal that records the highlights of Rangers history. So, of course, I took the opportunity to look up what it had to say about the 1922 cup final, and what I found was that Rangers played the latter part of the game with only ten men because one of their players had been injured, and in those days, of course, there were no substitutes. So if you were down to ten men you were down to ten men, and you just had to play on in the first half it looked as if Morton were going to perform well, but in fact we lost that game five nothing. In that season, throughout the entire league programme, we only lost one game to East Fife (3-1) and that was the season Allan McGraw scored more goals than in any other season. It was certainly the season in which Morton had accumulated in percentage terms the highest number of points. And we were promoted and stayed that way, to the first division.

I also saw the Cup Final of 1948 with Jimmy Cowan, who was the best goalkeeper that Morton ever had, and I think the best goalkeeper that Scotland ever had. And that was a game at which PROFESSOR JAMES PICKETT there were 146,000 people. Anyway, they played on and Rangers were doing their best to equalize because It was a bit crowded but it was before Hampden Morton had scored in the first half from a free kick. had been transformed and there was only the main They didnt succeed and at the end of the game stand and another stand, which was on stilts so that Morton wanted to celebrate, but they had been so sure underneath the stilts there was still space. But there that they were going to lose that they hadnt brought were no great problems, I mean, the biggest danger anything with them to celebrate with. But Rangers was that someone needed a pee and did it on your had been so confident that they were going to win legs! that they had, so Morton celebrated by borrowing champagne from Rangers in the 1922 final. But Morton had scored their goal in the 1922 cup final from a free kick and midway through the first The other finals which I did see were in 1963/64. We half in the 1948 Saturday game they got a free kick got to the final of the league cup, although we were and they scored again! A man called Jimmy White in the 2nd division and Rangers were in the old first scored, he was a very good player and, of course, we division. We beat Hibernian on the way there, and were all hoping that history was about to repeat itself,

55 but then, with about 12 minutes to go a man called Torry Gillick equalized for Rangers and we had to come back on the Wednesday night and there was another 136,000 spectators! The light wasnt very good towards the end of the game and very, very late on, Bobby Williamson got the ball for Rangers and was bearing down on goal when a photographer came out and took a picture... And our theory is that the flash got in Cowans eyes, otherwise he would have saved it and it would have gone to another replay and we would have got another 126,000. That must have been by far in the way of the largest revenue that Morton ever got from two successive football matches!

ADMINISTRATION
Now, let me tell you about administration. It was an American invention; someone realized that some companies that went bankrupt, in fact, went bankrupt unnecessarily, in the sense that, although they were down for that particular point in time, they could recover. They then introduced a thing called Chapter 2 Bankruptcy, which in this country was introduced as Administration. Now, Morton were placed in Administration which means that a Court, the High Court in Edinburgh, appoints chartered accountants to run the club. I was spokesman for the Consortium that actually got Morton out of Administration and that largely was a question of dealing with Sir Hugh Scott. Because, firstly, what you have to do is get enough money to buy the Club and secondly, persuade the shareholders, of whom Hugh Scott was by far the largest, to accept. That persuasion was very hard work, believe me. We almost faltered at the end. We had the support of Inverclyde Council, particularly the then provost David Roach, and we had the promise of the Council that they would give us a loan of about 350,000 to enable us to complete the transaction once we had persuaded Scott to agree. Eventually, I did manage to persuade him. There was a deadline of 12 oclock, in the chartered accountants office in Glasgow, to deliver the cheque. But then, on the morning I was to get the cheque from the Council, they told me that they couldnt do it, they ran into a snag of some sort! I phoned Douglas Rae and he produced a cheque in that time for 350,000! So, Douglas Rae saved Greenock Morton in a very important sense, but if it wasnt for that 350,000 I dont know what would have happened. There might have been another consortium waiting in the wings - there were rumours to that effect - but I dont think they wouldve sustained it the way it has been sustained. So we got out of administration by the skin of our teeth, so to say, and I then spent a year on the Board. It was never my intention to stay on the Board because my view is that Im a Morton fan, and I told the other directors that my ideal was to sit on my own seat, and shout at them when they are playing badly!

THE GREATEST PLAYERS

The greatest player, in my opinion, was Cowan. The goalkeeper Jimmy Cowan, and also Billy Steele the centre forward, were the best Morton players, but thats in terms of regular Morton players. During the war, when we did very well, we won the victory shield after the 1914-1918 war. And during the Second World War, when we played in a thing called the Southern League, we did well also. We did well in the past. Then we went to the Scottish Cup, and that was partly because of some of the guests we had, and one of the guests was Stanley Matthews. I remember very, very clearly seeing a game on New Years day in which Matthews was playing for Morton. Morton were playing St Mirren and we won eight - nothing! Most of the goals were scored by a man called Johnny Crum who had recently given up his career at Celtic and signed for Morton. And the process of the game was that Matthews would wander up the left wing with the ball, and sometimes, just to break the boredom, he would beat a man and just go back and beat him again for fun. He would get to the corner and then he would cross over and Crum was stood there, and hed just bang it in, and so it went on and on and on. There was a fashionable joke at the time, which took the form of a question: Did you hear about Johnny crumb? No, what happened? Hes dead Why, what happened? He fell off the end of a loaf! That was a very widely used joke after the eight nothing game. Tommy Lawton also played, but apart from them, Cowan and Steele were outstanding and unmatched. Both of them are in the Scottish hall of fame and I would say that they were the best for me.

Saturday 10 May, 2003, will be a day to remember for all Morton fans when an astonishing 8,497 turned out at Cappielow to will their heroes on to the Third Division title. There have been more prestigious achievements in the clubs history, but none better exemplified the spirit of a club and its community in battling against the odds. Two years ago Morton faced extinction. Now they can look forward with growing optimisim.

Peter Weatherson
Peter Weatherson was born on May 29 1980 in North Shields, England. He signed for Morton for 30,000 in the season of 2003/2004, from Queen of the South. He is currently the Clubs 5th joint top post war league goal scorer.

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Bringing us up to date with Sponsorships, Exhibitions and some words from the pupils who put so much effort into creating this book.

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Taken at the Exhibition for the We Are Morton Project...

On March 17th 2011, an exhibition was opened in 7 1/2 John Wood Streets Studio Space, to promote the We Are Morton Project. It was put together & organised by the pupils of St Columbas High School, with help from staff at 7 1/2 John Wood Street. The pupils came up with ideas for admission tickets, invitations & posters that were distributed amongst council members, schools, local businesses and former players & coaches of the Club. Many important people turned up to share their memories and stories about the Club, including Chairman Douglas Rae, Legend Allan McGraw, Professor James Pickett, Ronnie Miller, and the current squad even turned up for a look at the images of their Clubs History. Over 100 people came through the doors in the first two days, which prompted the exhibition to stay open for a further full week, with everyone who passed coming in for a look at what we had been up to so far. The exhibition was a great success and was featured in a full page spread in the Greenock Telegraph.

2011 group photo

And how it has affected football and its players...

Sponsorship has become a huge part of football today, ensuring players and clubs receive large amounts of money, just for wearing a logo on their shirt. Companies believe that people will see their footballing idols wearing their brand, and will in turn buy it as its associated with their favourite club. While this is in some cases true, it has also become a way for some footballers to earn lots more money, and it is set to continue as footballers become ever more popular. Greenock Morton is sponsored by Millions Sweets, which is owned by Mr Douglas Rae. The sweets are made in Inverclyde, and are becoming ever more popular! Mortons Mascot is fittingly named Cappie the Cat, and he has a club for young people, where they receive special gifts throughout the year if they are a member!

SPONSORSHIP & MASCOTS

Millions Sweets Advert Cappie the Cat in action!

MEET THE s3 asdan team

The young people of St Columbas High School share their thoughts and opinions on the experience of working on the We Are Morton Project with 7 1/2 John Wood Street.
I think that the project has been good because we have been getting to go trips to Hampden Park for a tour and we got invited into the live Scottish Cup Draw. We also went to Mary Kings Close and then went to the National Archive in Edinburgh. - Shaun Boyle I enjoyed doing the morton project because we have learned a lot and we went to Hampden, John Wood Street, Mary Kings Close and the National Archives. We also learned how to film and do sound and interviewing. - Christopher Stewart

The things I enjoyed about this project were: - Trip to Hampden and the Scottish Cup Draw. - Tour of Mary Kings Close in Edinburgh -Tour of the National Archives on our trip to Edinburgh. - Courtney Spence

I think this book project has taught me a lot and has been a great experience for me. I hope the wider community will appreciate the hard work by 7 1/2 John Wood Street. -Reegan Kelly

During this project we have learned how to use cameras and interview skills. We went on a trip to Edinburgh and had a tour through Mary Kings Close and had a tour through the National Archives where we got information on Morton Football Club. Michael Campbell

I enjoyed doing the Morton Project. I found it interesting and learned loads of new things. We went on trips to Hampden, Mary Kings Close, National Archives and went on the internet to find information. - Gemma McConnell

I enjoyed the Morton Project. We went to many places that tie in with the book. We went to Hampden Park, the National Archives & Mary Kings Close. We also held an exhibition in 7 1/2 John Wood Street to help boost knowledge of our project and book. - Shannon Docherty

Things I enjoyed during the We Are Morton Project: - Hampden - Live Scottish Cup Draw - Mary Kings Close - Exhibition at 7 1/2 John Wood Street - National Archives - Connor King

I enjoyed going to Hampden. I enjoyed seeing the Live Cup Draw and being taught how to interview and film people. - Sophie Gallacher

I enjoyed working on the book especially going to Hampden Football Park and Mary Kings Close. - Lauren Brown

Over the past year I have taken part in the We Are Morton Project. I really enjoyed it, especially research and filming. - Paige Brown

Over the past year I have taken part in the We Are Morton Project. I really enjoyed the exhibition and researching information. - Kyla Downie

I enjoyed going on the trip to Edinburgh when we worked on the We Are Morton Project. -Sharrie Wallace

I enjoyed writing the book. I really liked going to Mary Kings Close. - Erin McEwan

I enjoyed designing a cover for the book and researching information. I learned how to interview which would be helpful for my job in the future. - Christopher Gavin

I enjoyed working on the Morton Project, and learning new things. - Nicole Rice

I have taken part in the Morton Project. What I have enjoyed is interviewing and designing for the book. It has been a very enjoyable thing to take part in. We all cant wait for the book to come out. - Mark McNeil

I really enjoyed the subject, there was something that everybody could enjoy. - Kelsey Burke

I worked on the We Are Morton Project during ASDAN and learned new things - Erin Kavanagh

Credits
Articles Main Text: Dominique Mckay Page 8 & 9: The National Archives Page 12: Reegan Kelly, Shannon Docherty & Kyla Downie Page 14: Glenpark Harriers Page 18: Greenock & The Suffragettes The Watt Library Page 24 & 25: The Greenock Telegraph Page 33: www.scran.org.uk Page 41: Interview with Allan McGraw Page 52 & 53: Interview with Professor James Pickett Photgraphs & images Page 3: Football Boot trust | design image library Page 4: James Farrell Signature Samuel Park Thomson Page 6: James Watt Dock & Muddy Field trust | design image library Page 6: Foundation Stone of James Watt Dock trust | design image library Page 8 & 9: Minutes of Riot The Scottish National Archives Ref: HH/55/297 Page 10: Walkers Advert trust | design image library Page 12: Dalrymple Street trust | design image library Page 14: 1920 Silver Jubilee Glenpark Harriers Page 21 & 23: Soldier Ross McLellan Page 23: Battery Park WWI Tank trust | design image library Page 23: Fire Brigade 1912 trust | design image library Page 26 & 27: 1922 Squad trust | design image library Page 30 & 31: Photos of William Gibson John Gibson Page 32: Blitz Baxter Street trust | design image library Page 32: Blitz Cowans Corner trust | design image library Page 32: Blitz Drumfrochar Road. Westburn Sugar Refinery trust | design image library Page 34 & 35: Jimmy Cowan trust | design image library Page 36: P Wright trust | design image library Page 40: Allan McGraw Cha Halliday Page 42: Pc Street 1954 trust | design image library Page 44: Tesco Advert Watt Library Page 45: Andy Ritchie trust | design image library Page 49: Sit in Kyla Downie Page 50: P 1979 at St Stephens High School trust | design image library .E Page 56 &57: 2002/2003 Champions David Hardie & trust | design image library Page 58: Peter Weatherson trust | design image library Page 60: Squad 2011 Alistair Witherow Page 60: Young People Alistair Witherow Page 61: Cappie The Cat John Riddle, Author of The King of Cappielow Page 62 & 63: Young People Saint Columbas