TRIBUTES have been paid following the death of former Morton chairman Douglas Rae OBE at the age of 87.

Mr Rae, who recently stood down from his position as chairman due to ill health, passed away on Saturday night.

Players past and present, other clubs, fans and local politicians have praised Mr Rae, who saved Morton from going bust in 2001 by taking the club over when it was languishing in administration.

The leader of Inverclyde Council, Stephen McCabe, described Mr Rae as a ‘good man who made a great contribution to public life in Inverclyde’ as he sent his condolences to the Rae family.

Morton club captain Lee Kilday said: “He did more than anyone could ask for the club.”

Goalkeeper Derek Gaston said he had been left ‘devastated’ by the news of Mr Rae’s death.

He added: “You would struggle to find a nicer, or more caring man.

“So many players over the years including myself may not have got the chance to pull on a Morton top if it wasn’t for his generosity and love for the club.”

Ex Ton-favourite Ricki Lamie said: “Gutted to hear of such sad news, a true character of a man. The club won’t be the same without Mr Morton.”

Inverclyde MSP Stuart McMillan said: “Mr Rae had his family, Greenock Morton FC and Inverclyde in his heart.

“He saved our club and every Morton fan will be eternally grateful.

“Thank-you Mr Rae for everything you have done.

“Inverclyde will be the poorer without you.”

MP Ronnie Cowan added: “Mr Rae’s contribution to Morton FC should never be underestimated.

“Without Dougie the Ton could have gone under. 

“His commitment to Inverclyde was considerable and often went unrecognised.”

Born on 14 June 1931, Mr Rae attended his first Morton match aged eight alongside great friend Arthur Montford and held a season ticket each and every season thereafter until joining the board in 1988.

After over eight years as a director, he resigned from that role in August 1997 prior to a regime change at Cappielow before returning to buy a controlling interest in the club and preserve its existence.

Mr Rae stepped in to prevent administrators from putting the club into liquidation in August 2001 and went on to serve as chairman for 17 years.

A statement from Morton said: “As a supporter, he saw the club participate in national cup finals and watched as footballing icons such as Sir Stanley Matthews and Tommy Lawton turned out for the Ton as war-time guests.

“However, it was more recent events that ranked as personal highlights, including victory over Peterhead to clinch the 2002-03 Third Division championship and a shock League Cup success at Celtic in September 2013. Owner of successful local confectionery firm Golden Casket, Mr Rae was the recipient of an Order of the British Empire (OBE) in the Queen’s birthday honours list in 2016.

“He stepped down as Morton chairman in April 2018, following the final game of the 2017/18 season, due to ill health and took up the role of honorary club president while passing the stewardship of the club to his son Crawford.

“There will be no further comment and we would ask that everyone please respect the privacy of the Rae family at this difficult time.”