MEMBERS of a Morton fans' investment group have voted by a landslide to back an historic takeover which will see them become the new owners of the club.

The renegotiated package was tabled to 500 pledgers last month after Morton Club Together (MCT) struck a deal with current club owners Golden Casket to see Cappielow change hands and Ton's debt pile written off.

It has been backed by 77 per cent of the MCT membership, with only one per cent against and 22 per cent abstaining.

The new agreement will mean that the fans' group will own 90 per cent of the club, with the 75 per cent held by Rae family firm Golden Casket being transferred.

A new property company - owned by MCT - will be set up to hold the shares and Cappielow, protecting the club from any potential predators in the event of future financial hardship.

The new era of community ownership is expected to start in June - and it's understood the new owners will have in the region of £300,000 left over from the government pandemic grant which was given to the club late last year.

Gordon Ritchie, Morton Club Together director, said: “We are delighted that the deal has been ratified by our membership and that community ownership will proceed.

“This is a significant moment for Greenock Morton and an exciting future lies ahead.

“We realise the current threat of relegation leads to uncertainty, but community ownership is a long-term project and we are focused on a successful new era for Greenock Morton.

“Budgets are in place for Championship or League One football.

“Of course, we hope the team will maintain their Championship status, but regardless we are committed to push forward under community ownership.”

The legal process is now under way to get the deal signed off.

Under the agreement Golden Casket will retain the car park land off Sinclair Street and allow the club to use it as a car park, with the caveat that the club can withdraw from that agreement in the future.

Morton Club Together founder Graham McLennan said: “Just over two years ago, MCT was started with the hope of providing a bit of financial support to the first team budget.

“It is quite incredible that we have gone from a simple idea, to making community ownership a reality in such a short space of time.

“I want to say a huge thank-you to all of the incredible volunteers who have helped make this journey possible, and to all our loyal members who have supported us along the way.”