Jackie Ferguson (1939-2026)

The family of former Morton forward Jackie Ferguson has informed the Club of his passing at the age of 86.

Ferguson joined Morton in 1958 from Annbank United and made his debut at outside-right in a 5-2 win against Montrose in October of that year. He would go on to feature for Morton for five seasons, combining his football career with National Service in the British Army of the Rhine (BAOR). It was there that he met and played alongside Allan McGraw, whom he recommended to new Morton boss Hal Stewart in 1961.

Stewart signed the future Morton legend, promising to fly him home from Germany for matches, generally accompanied by Jackie and Jimmy Mallon who also served in Germany. They became good friends.

Ferguson made 72 appearances for Morton, generally as an outside or inside-right; he scored 12 goals for the club. He was one of four Morton players who played for BAOR League & Cup winners, 1st Cameronians, in a Cappielow Challenge match in April 1962, scoring against his club.

In 1962, he moved to Clyde, apparently in a player exchange which saw centre-forward John McLaughlin arrive at Cappielow. Ferguson subsequently joined Airdrieonians in 1963, where he scored 43 goals in 161 appearances. After a brief move south, where he played for Southend United and Cambridge City (on loan), he returned to Scotland, signing for his local club Ayr United in 1968.

At Somerset Park he played for three seasons scoring 22 goals in 96 appearances. His starring performance in a 2-1 home win against Rangers in September 1969 is part of Ayr United folklore, with Jackie scoring their second goal, watched by an incredible 25, 225 spectators.

In the early 1970s, his playing career turned full circle with a return to Ayrshire Junior football.

Our thoughts are with Jackie’s family and friends at this very sad time.