Life story of Morton legend Allan McGraw will be told in a new autobiography

The record breaking goalscorer, title-winning former manager and hall of fame icon turns 80 this year and he is collaborating on his memoirs with sports journalist and Morton fan Stewart Fisher.

A book has been in the pipeline for many years and Allan is delighted that it will finally come to fruition.

He said: "I started writing the book years ago with journalist Hugh McKinlay, a local newspaper editor and journalist with The Herald, then went back to his roots to be a musician, then he sadly passed away about 15 years ago."

Allan says that he is enjoying taking a walk down memory lane reflecting on his career.

He said: "I enjoyed my time as a player - you never ever get that feeling again.

"Football has been my whole life, it meant everything to me.

"You never want to leave it.

"That's why I went on to become a manager.

"It's good to work at something you enjoy."

Allan, who lives in Gourock, says one of his most memorable moments was netting a penalty in a league cup semi-final in 1963 against Hibs.

He said: "I enjoyed taking that penalty in the semi-final, I helped to take Morton to the final."

Over the last six months Stewart and Allan have been delving through the archives to pull the book together.

Stewart, 42, chief sports writer with the Herald and Evening Times, said: "I'm a Morton fan and born and bred in Gourock so this is a labour of love.

"Allan's story is one that should definitely be out there.

"There are his playing days, managerial days and his role in saving the club.

"We hope the book will appeal to older fans who know Allan's story very well and bring back memories of years gone by, but also to a new generation too.

"We've looked through some excerpts and some of this material will appear in some shape or form in the book.

"We had quite a few sittings in Allan's house, collecting interviews with some of his friends and former players.

"We've spoken to Warren Hawke and Derek McInnes and a number of others."

The book will feature a wealth of stories from Allan's time playing for Hal Stewart, a former manager and director of the club.

Allan recalls how Hal went to great lengths to make sure he was in his team every weekend.

He said: "I remember being flown from the army in Germany every week by Hal Stewart.

"That went on for 18 months.

"I don't know any other player who did that apart from Tommy Younger at Hibs, he was flown over a couple of times."

Allan famously continued to star for the Ton while seriously injured and he took many pain-killing injections which left him with long-term mobility problems.

Stewart says the man known as 'Mr Morton' has a special place in people's hearts, representing a golden era in the club's history.

He said: "Allan is very modest and doesn't class himself in any way as a legend, but both as a player and a manager, fans older than me will remember the goals he scored and the records he set.

"I would say absolutely Allan is a Morton legend."

Mr McGraw was married to his beloved late wife Jean for more than 30 years and has two sons, Mark, who also played for Morton, Allan, four grandchildren and a niece and he says his family will be pleased and proud about the book.

He said: "The boys always wanted me to write a book."

Over 20 years after leaving Cappielow Allan still takes in Ton games regularly and he feels optimistic about the new management with the return of David Hopkin, who he signed as a young player in the late 80s.

He said: "I've got a good feeling about David.

"I'm pleased he is back at Cappielow.

"I'm hoping he's going to make a big name for himself."

*The book is expected to be completed by the end of the year and prospective publishers can make contact with Stewart on 07764250252.