Moore fails to bring Don to Ton

Chris Tait • Published 1 Sep 2010 14:00 0 Comments

ALLAN Moore was frustrated in his attempts to add to his squad before the transfer window slammed shut last night - with Aberdeen striker Michael Paton rejecting a loan move.

The Ton boss was eager to bolster his attacking options and saw the 21-year-old, who can also play as a winger, as the ideal acquisition.

But local lad Paton turned down the move, and a similar offer from Dundee, and will remain at Pittodrie for the time being.

Moore told the Tele: “I tried to get the boy Michael Paton in from Aberdeen but that’s not happened.

“I’ve been told the boy doesn’t want to go out on loan and that’s the last bit of information I got.

“One of the biggest factors was that he’s a Greenock boy, and if he’s not signed for anyone then we might look at him again at Christmas time.”

Moore was only able to make an offer for Paton after defensive midfielder Neil MacFarlane left the club by mutual consent yesterday.

MacFarlane failed to make a single appearance this season, and Moore admitted the player did not fit into his plans.

He said: “When I came to the club and looked at their fitness levels and body fat percentages Neil wasn’t in the bracket that I think is good enough for a first division player.

“He’s a good professional and can pass the ball but Neil is a sitting midfielder and I don’t play with a sitting midfielder.

“I want my two midfielders to do equal work in the middle of the park and I want to bring the average age of the team down.”

Meanwhile, a man who is unlikely to play for Morton this season is Eddie Malone, after Moore decided against offering the former Dundee man a contract.

The defender featured as a trialist at the weekend but Moore feels it is time Ton started to give their younger players the opportunity to impress.

He said: “I don’t think that’s going to happen and I think the finances we have should be used for a striker.

“I hope to speak to Eddie again but I think it’s time we give our young boys a chance and that’s what I’m hoping to do with Nathan Shephard and Ryan Kane.”

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This article appeared in Greenock Telegraph 01 Sep 10

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