By Liam Bryce

MORTON fans are set to pay tribute to Cappielow legends as they prepare for the club’s second Hall of Fame dinner later this year. 

The prestigious event will give fans the chance to vote for who they want to see cement their place in the Ton’s storied history, joining icons such as Allan McGraw and Andy Ritchie who were honoured in 2014. 

Organised by the Greenock Morton Supporters’ Trust, the ceremony is set to take place on December 1 at Greenock Town Hall. 

Trust board member Allan Feeney confirmed all proceeds from the event will be re-invested into the Morton youth academy, and said he hopes to draw on the success of the launch night three years ago. 

He said: “The first one was very well received, there were over 300 people there and we raised around £10,000. 

“It should be a great night out for the fans and will bring all the supporters’ clubs together, which doesn’t happen too often.

“The night is being hosted by Des McKeown and there will also be an auction with some special one-off prizes.”

There are five awards set to be handed out on the night, including the induction of three legendary players to be voted for by Telegraph readers.

Supporters’ clubs will also come together to decide on a manager and team award, following the induction of the 1921/22 Scottish Cup winning side last time around.

Mr Feeney was also keen to stress the importance of supporting the academy, which has recently added full-time deals with prospects Alexander Easdale, Reece Lyon and Nathan Durham.

He added: “I think fans can see that the youth teams are well run and in the past couple of years it has really come together.

“Last season there were more players breaking through into the first team.

“A club like Morton isn’t going to attract the same kind of sponsorship as bigger teams so it’s important to bring in money for the academy in other ways.”

The academy was revamped in 2011 and has since seen a number of young players make their debut for the senior side. Under-20s coach Darren Barr said he was delighted that the youth set-up was set to receive a vital funding boost.

He said: “For me, the youth academy is the soul of the club, it provides a path for young players to break into the first team if they’re good enough.

“You want to be able to give them every opportunity to succeed and if the funding is there for the academy then that increases the chances of being able to do so.

“It’s crucial to the future of the club to find that funding and keep it coming in.”

Ticket enquiries can be directed to mail@gmst.org.uk