GOALKEEPERS
Nicolas Caraux – 2
It’s been a difficult season for Nicolas with injury sidelining the French keeper for the majority. With rumours throughout linking the player away from Cappielow, manager Jim Duffy took matters into his own hands and decided not to renew the 24-year old’s contract.
Derek Gaston – 10
Greenock Morton’s Player of the Year, and deservingly so. Despite netting an impressive sixty-five goals this season, Morton would not be playing in the Championship next term were it wasn’t for their keeper. Not only an incredible shot-stopper and commander of his box, Derek Gaston’s attitude in general is just superb. An absolute gentlemen who was a Premiership standard goalkeeper playing in League One this season.
Grant Adams – 3
Brought in as a trialist in December after injuries to both Nicolas Caruax and Derek Gaston, Grant Adams would later sign for the club until the end of the season. He would make four appearances in that time before finishing the season as back-up.
DEFENDERS
Jordan Allan – 1
After signing for the club last summer, Allan played on the opening day and it proved to be his only start of the campaign. He was released in January, in what would prove to be an important month for the club.
Sean Crighton – 3
It was a difficult season for the boyhood Morton fan. It was a real dream come true to take to the Cappielow turf wearing the blue and white hoops, but the young central defender found himself out of depth for the majority.
Lee Kilday – 6
The only player to feature in every single game for the Champions. Despite being the only recognisable right back at the club, Lee Kilday very much cemented his play in the squad with his attacking treat. Improvement is required for the step up next season, but certainly a player with potential.
Rickie Lamie – 7
Once Jim Duffy discovered his most comfortable position, Rickie Lamie developed into one of the clubs most unsung heroes. After a shaky start at left back, the twenty-one year old settled well at the heart of the ‘Ton defence and delivered some great performances throughout the second half of the campaign.
Stefan Milojevic – 3
The centre half had created a strong partnership with Gregor Buchanan at Airdrie last season, but has found life difficult ever since his arrival at Cappielow. Showed elements of ability early on, but struggled alongside Crighton.
Mark Russell – 8
A fantastic first season for the left back, who has came through the Morton youth set-up. After struggling to cement his place early on, Mark Russell is now one of the first names on Jim Duffy’s team-sheet. His dangerous runs from defence, as well as his clinical efforts at goal have all contributed to the 19-year old earning himself a place in the League One Team of the Year, as well as attracting interest from Premier League giants Swansea.
MIDFIELDERS
Thomas O’Ware – 8
A player who plays for the shirt and has earned the respect of the Morton faithful this season. Thomas O’Ware mainly featured as a midfielder and was a massive figure throughout the title campaign. A player who plays with a lot of passion and desire, and a man who could be set for bigger things.
Michael Millar – 6
After a rather impressive spell with Dumbarton, there was a level of expectation that came with the signing of Michael Miller. Despite a poor opening half, the central midfielder improved on his performances during the run-in, mainly down to the partnership created with Thomas O’Ware and Ross Forbes.
Robbie Crawford – 5
Arrived at Cappielow with high expectation from fans of his parent club, Rangers. However, unfortunately for Robbie things didn’t pan out well, mainly because he was played out of position. As a natural centre midfielder being forced to play wide left, Robbie regularly found himself drifting inside, and as a result leaving the left-back exposed. Left the club in January after his loan deal expired.
Ross Forbes – 8
Brought into the club from Dunfermline in a deal that saw Andrew Barrowman re-join his former side, which would later prove to be one of the deals of the season. Ross Forbes was branded ‘lazy and useless’ by the Pars fans, but delivered creativity and flare in the Morton midfield ever since arriving. Without Ross, Morton most likely would not be preparing for life in the Championship.
Reece Hands – 1
After a good start to life in Greenock, injury well and truly killed Reece Hand’s Morton career. Failed to break into the starting XI all season and was subsequently released in January.
Jamie McCluskey – 6
After initially only being on trial with the club Jamie, brother of Stefan, delivered some excellent performances, earning himself a contract with the club. After agreeing the deal however, he never quite reached those same standards again. Popped up to score some vital goals, but was later released after promotion was secured.
Joe McKee – 6
One of the clubs most talked about players this season, Joe McKee delivered some great performances, but also some to forget. A player who, one could argue, was easy to aim the abuse at, but ignored it and battled through. A player who needs a lot of work, but could develop into a key player.
Conor Pepper – 6
A very quick, energetic player who has shown a lot of promise. Morton fans seem delighted that he’s tied down for next term, where they hope he can stay injury free so that they can judge the Irishman better.
STRIKERS
Andrew Barrowman – 3
Brought a lot of experience to a young Morton side, but struggled to adapt to the ‘target man’ role. Left the club in January and earns a bonus point for being involved in the deal that brought Ross Forbes.
Ross Caldwell – 6
A fast, powerful forward who netted four important goals after joining the club in January. Despite some impressive performances early on, the ex-St.Mirren striker struggled to earn himself a place in Jim Duffy’s starting XI and would later be told his future would not be at Cappielow.
Aidan Ferris – 1
Despite being rated highly at development level, Aidan Ferris has never managed to break into Jim Duffy’s first team plans. After a number of years at youth level, the striker has been released by the club.
Peter MacDonald – 6
Morton fans thought they were in dreamland when news broke that fans favourite ‘Peaso’ had agreed to re-sign. The thirty-four year old played an important role during the run-in, captaining the side to important wins against Dunfermline, Stranraer, and most importantly Peterhead on the final day of the season. As well as leading by example, MacDonald netted four goals which proved pivotal as Morton sneaked into top spot late on in the season.
Stefan McCluskey – 7
Along with Rickie Lamie, Stefan McCluskey is one of Morton’s unsung heroes. What McCluskey lacks in ability he makes up for in determination and energy. After a slow start to the season, McCluskey found his feet in League One and managed to net an impressive seven goals from the left hand side of midfield, and deservingly earned himself a new one-year-deal at Cappielow.
David McNeil – 2
A player with bags of potential who, one could argue, never got his chance at Cappielow. Regarded very highly at his previous club Kilmarnock, McNeil delivered some impressive performances at development level, but couldn’t break into the first team squad and was released in January.
Jon Scullion – 6
He has been branded “one of the most technically gifted players at Greenock Morton” by those working closely with the club, so it’s no surprise supporters expected good things from Jon Scullion. In the few starts given to him, the young centre forward has shown impressive ability, but will need to improve his physical stature as well as fitness levels if he really wants to obtain a regular place in the side. His goal scoring record at development level speaks volumes though, and clearly proves this young boy has potential.
Declan McManus – 10
What can be said about Declan McManus that hasn’t already? It has been, quite simply, a dream season for the Aberdeen loanee, who finished with a league winners medal, the League One title, a place in the League One Team of the Year, and the SPFL League One Player of the Year award. The 20-year old’s performances, which included an incredible 20 league goals in only 32 league appearances, has earned himself a money spinning three-year-deal with English League One side Fleetwood. It was a season to remember for the forward, who is destined for bigger things.
WRITTEN BY ANDREW WARD
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