Rae makes his point as Morton rise to third
MORTON chairman Crawford Rae welcomed the Scottish Government’s emergency bailout but was adamant the Cappielow outfit were not in a perilous financial situation.
Cash-strapped Championship clubs will receive grants of £500,000 each to enable them to cope with the financial effects of the Covid-19 pandemic.
Rae revealed reports this week over Morton’s finances had caused anxiety among staff and the playing squad and he phoned captain Jim McAlister to assure him wages would be paid.
He also stated he would underwrite any losses this season before handing over his majority shareholding to fans group Morton Club Together at the end of the campaign.
Rae, speaking to BBC Sportsound, said: ‘We’re delighted at the Scottish Government bail out. It’s been a very difficult time for clubs. We didn’t (anticipate that kind of sum) obviously any amount was welcome. There’s no business that can remain open without customers and football is no different.
‘I felt there was some irresponsible reporting this week, suggesting the club was in jeopardy, which caused great anxiety for players and staff. I phoned the captain and asked him to pass on to the players that there would be no issues with wages or salaries.
‘My family had already agreed to underwrite any club debt until we hand over our majority shareholding to the fans. We anticipated a loss this year but it’s vital to myself and my family to protect my father’s legacy.’
Rae said the interim management team of Anton McElhone, assisted by players Jim McAlister, Brian McLean and Chris Millar, will be in charge for the rest of the campaign after taking over following manager David Hopkin’s departure.
Morton followed up their victory at Dunfermline, with a 2-0 win over Queen of the South courtesy of a Kalvin Orsi double, with goals in either half, to climb to third in the Championship.
McElhone said: ‘We’re a team, I’ll lead the team with the assistance of Brian, Jim and Midge. I’ll try to do my job professionally to keep the players motivated and ready.’
Queens are now bottom of the table and manager Allan Johnston said: ‘It’s not good enough. We need to start getting results quickly.’