Published: Friday, 2nd May, 2008 12:00
Stevenson can go
By Steven McArthur
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Allowed to go: Jamie Stevenson can seek another club.
THE Morton management team have set about streamlining the squad, as they gear up for their first full season in charge.
Assistant boss Derek Collins, who arrived in February with boss Davie Irons, has indicated that some players reaching the final year of their contracts have been advised that they can move on.
Said Collins: “Jamie Stevenson, Kieran McAnespie and David MacGregor have been told they can look at other options, and Brian Graham, who has two years left, will be allowed to go on long-term loan.
“There will be no reserve team next year, so players on the fringes of the squad may not get many opportunities.
“They are certainly not being disregarded, but it may be in their best interests to move on.”
Collins also noted that, although there would be no reserves, the youth set-up at the club would be revamped, with the formation of a team at under-19 level.
He said: “An under-19 set-up will be put in place, so the players who can’t play in that may find it difficult to get games.
“Under-19 will be part of the structure at youth level to bridge the gap to the first team, and tap into the pool of local talent.
“We want to set up a conveyor belt of talent, and it’s our job to look at every footballing aspect at the club.”
Collins went on to rubbish rumours linking the club to a swoop to bring Stirling Albion’s Chris Aitken back to Cappielow, and said: “There are no foundations to the rumour.
“Obviously a club of our ambition will be linked to a lot of players, but we won’t jump the gun, as more and more players will become available in the coming weeks.
“At this point it’s not all about rushing into signings.”
One player, though, who may be appearing in blue and white next year is former Celtic player Anthony McParland, who has been training with the club recently following spells at Barnsley and Wycombe.
Said Collins: “Tony has been training with us for a while. He’s been patient and we respect that, and he will continue with us with a view to possibly joining.”
Meanwhile, the Ton are now without a recognised goalkeeper, with Lee Robinson completing his loan spell at the club, and David McGurn being released by mutual agreement, and replacing them is a priority.
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Sorry Morton crash out to County
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