Three young players depart

Morton can confirm that development squad trio Thomas Orr, John Mitchell, and Alex McWaters will leave the club following the expiry of their current contracts later this month.

Striker Orr, who had loan spells with East Stirling, Livingston and BSC Glasgow, was a prolific goalscorer for the academy Under-17s and the Under-20s, and went on to make one start and 11 sub appearances for the first-team.

Local lads Mitchell and McWaters also came through the club’s youth system and were regulars with Andy Millen’s Development League West-winning side in season 2015/16.

Neither quite made a top team breakthrough, although 19-year-old centre-half Mitchell was an unused substitute on a handful of occasions.

Manager Jim Duffy told gmfc.net: “Thomas Orr, John Mitchell and Alex McWaters, those three young players haven’t been offered contracts.

“And I have to say that although I’ve done this hundreds of times as you have to do as a manager over the many years, it’s still a difficult time, particularly when the boys are all terrific boys and give everything.

“Those three boys did give everything. They gave it their best shot, but ultimately I have to make a decision on whether I feel they can go and compete for a first-team place.

“That’s the call I have to make, and I just felt there was a level still to find for them. Hopefully, if they get an opportunity elsewhere they can find that level, and we wish them all the best for future.”

Image: David Bell