Leaving Rangers helped Erik to get back in black
It’s unclear how many overseas players will fancy moving to Scotland when football restarts.
The current crisis means the transfer market is more complex than ever before.
Rangers will probably have to recruit a new goalkeeper following the departure of regular back-up Wes Foderingham, and squad keeper Jak Alnwick.
Signing crops of players from foreign countries was pioneered by Morton in 1964.
Their charismatic owner, Hal Stewart, began a Scandinavian invasion when he recruited Denmark goalkeeper Erik Sorensen.
He was later sold to Rangers, but returned for a second spell at Cappielow after three years at Ibrox. Finding himself stuck in the reserves made Sorensen yearn for the black outfit that became his trademark in Greenock.
He recalled: “I had always worn black when I played in Denmark, and when I arrived to play a trial game for Morton, Hal Stewart had a black kit all laid out for me.
“He didn’t want anyone to know who I was, and that led to a bit of mystery. I was then known simply as ‘The Man in Black’.
“When I decided to go abroad, I had offers to go to Spain and Germany. But I chose Morton because Hal was so persuasive.
“I have never regretted that decision. I met my wife, Sandra, in Scotland, so I know I made the right choice.”
On this weekend in 1964, Morton announced they had agreed to take part in a three-game tour of Denmark.
They already had Erik and Kai Johansen in their squad. Three others – Jorn Sorensen, Flemming Nielsen and Carl Bertelsen – were signed during the end-of-season trip.
Erik went on: “People used to say that Hal Stewart didn’t know much about tactics. “He would counter that by saying that he didn’t spend money on good players and expect to tell them what to do.
“Experienced players were left to organise the team.
“His methods of running a football club weren’t conventional, but he got the best out of people.
“We were happy and that was reflected in our results.
Erik joined Rangers in 1967 and played 42 games in his first season.
He then slipped down the pecking order, with Norrie Martin and Gerry Neef being preferred between the sticks.
“I enjoyed my time at Rangers, but I really felt more comfortable at Morton,” added Erik.
“The fans were closer to the pitch at Cappielow than Ibrox, and I was used to that in Denmark.
“I was also able to wear my favourite black kit. At Rangers, I had to wear a yellow shirt and it somehow didn’t feel quite right for me.
“I was always a goalkeeper but that was because I wasn’t good enough to play outfield.
“I enjoyed playing in other positions and had a couple of games for the Morton reserves. “On one occasion, I was playing alongside former Celtic player John Clark. I’m sure he didn’t think I was good enough to be in the side. I thought I was the best player!”
Erik, now 80 and back living in Denmark, later had a spell as Morton manager and also coached at St Mirren.
He said: “I remember playing Aberdeen during my time at St Mirren, and telling a young Steve Clarke to concentrate on keeping Gordon Strachan quiet.
“At half-time, I thought he’d done not bad and asked how he was feeling. ‘No problem – he cannae play,’ was Steve’s reply.
“Steve didn’t say a lot, but when he did it was always straight to the point. I’m sure he’ll be a good manager for Scotland.
“I gave up coaching last year at the age of 79. My knees and ankles were rebelling and I decided enough was enough.
“I used to tell the players that the only thing keeping me out of the team was my age.”