MORTON have signed up a new recruit — in the form of a top local coach.

Greenock man Paddy McAlees has been snapped up by the Greenock Morton Community Trust (GMCT) to partner new community engagement manager Brian McLaughlin.

Trust chiefs have described him as a ‘super signing’ and his new permanent role follows a spell as a sessional coach helping the organisation deliver their ever-popular training camps for youngsters in Inverclyde and Dunoon.

He said: “I’m thrilled to be joining a thriving environment like the community trust and the timing for me is perfect.

“I’ve gained experience over the years working in similar community projects in Inverclyde, Dunoon and Irvine with support from the SFA, Active Schools in Inverclyde and also with KA Leisure.

“Children’s and youth football is good and Morton’s aims are to achieve more and more local players.

“I’m already aware of the exciting new projects designed to engage children as young as two years old.

“The Morton community camps are a huge success already and now presents the perfect platform to establish even more weekly classes for the kids to continue learning and having fun.” Morton club consultant and GMCT board member Warren Hawke said Paddy’s appointment is a real coup.

He said: “I am delighted to welcome Paddy to the GMCT.

“He has been an outstanding coach for many years across the area and thoroughly deserves this full time opportunity.

“We believe he is the best in the business at creating the positive atmosphere amongst the younger children and we will be concentrating his time in delivery of our Micro and Mini Morton projects.

“Working with him is an absolute honour.”