MORTON have sacked kitman Andy Bryan after he was found guilty of breaking betting rules.

Andy, 54, has been relieved of his duties after an SFA probe into him betting on matches.

It brings the curtain down on a 45-year association with the Ton, which saw him inducted into the Cappielow hall of fame in 2014 and rewarded with a testimonial the following year.

He was sacked with immediate effect in a letter sent to his Largs home by recorded delivery.

Andy had been suspended by the club in October after being charged by the Scottish Football Association for betting on 9,000 football matches - including Ton fixtures - between July 2013 and September this year.

He admitted breaking gambling rules at a Hampden hearing last month and was hit with a 12-game ban, with four of those suspended until the end of the current season.

A Ton spokesman said today: "We don't comment on internal HR matters."

Morton have launched a search for his replacement.

Axed kitman Andy started out with Morton as a ball boy in 1974.

He knocked back jobs with Scotland and Stoke City to remain at the club he supports.

After being charged by the SFA, he stepped down as the kit manager for the under-21 national side - a role he had held for the last two years.

The popular Cappielow figure bravely opened up about to the Tele last month about his betting problem, revealing how he'd staked hundreds of thousands of pounds over the years.

He is now receiving professional help to overcome his gambling addiction and has encouraged others who are struggling to seek help.

Andy is said to be seeking legal advice over his Morton dismissal and could appeal the decision.

The Tele contacted him for a response.