NEW Morton Under-20s coach John Sutton says he can’t wait to start his new role at an ‘incredibly ambitious’ club.

The club announced last night that the 34-year-old striker was to hang up his boots to take up the position, after 16 years including spells at Motherwell, Hearts and St Johnstone.

But most Ton fans will remember him for his time with rivals St Mirren, making over 100 appearances for the Buddies, leaving Saints just last week.

Sutton replaces Darren Barr after the defender left the coaching position at Cappielow to continue his playing career at Stirling Albion in January.

Sutton says he was sold on the ambition and the potential of the club, especially after seeing the youngsters win their development league last month.

He told the Tele: “The impression I got from the club is that it’s incredibly ambitious, and people have always described it as a sleeping giant in terms of the potential it has and the history of it.

“Looking at the training facilities and the crowds that it’s possible to attract, I think there’s a very positive outlook at the club.

“Certainly talking to Warren [Hawke, chief executive] and Derek [Anderson, director of youth], they’re very ambitious for the future.

“I’m aware of how successful the under-20s have been, I know there’s a very good set of players there and it’s up to me to try and help them out and to try and help a few of them kick on to the first team.

“But it’s just talk at the minute, it’s okay talking saying, ‘we’re going to do this and that,’ but hopefully I can be a part of something that’s successful and I can play a small a part in giving the boys the best opportunity to kick on for themselves, and to help Morton to push up at the right end of the Championship table.”

The striker revealed he had several offers to keep playing next season, but decided it was the right time to take up a new challenge.

He will not officially start his role until next month, but Sutton, who holds a UEFA A licence, is eager to begin his new career path after finishing his playing career on a high.

He added: “It wasn’t something I took lightly, there were offers out there that were quite exciting but I don’t think anything really excited or energised me as much as coming to work here.

“I had two terrific spells at St Mirren and it was a nice way to sign off but you’re always looking forward in football.

“When this came up it was too good an opportunity to miss, and it’s something that’s really exciting, and now the season’s finished and there’s a bit of closure to last season.

“I can’t wait to get stuck into this job. 

“It was really exciting meeting everyone at the club yesterday and I’m looking forward to meeting the players and trying to help the club go forward.”