MORTON boss Dougie Imrie has been dealt with an early summer blow in losing a key element of his midfield after the dynamic Robbie Crawford ended a two-year spell in Inverclyde to rejoin promotion-chasing Partick Thistle.

The fans favourite midfielder had been an ever-present under Imrie since joining the club from the Firhill side in August 2022 where he earned rave reviews for his all action approach in games at the tip of the Ton chief's midfield.

The Tele understands that Crawford has sealed his return to the north west of Glasgow on a two-year deal, turning down a contract offer of the same length that had been handed to him by Cappielow bosses.

Sources close to the club believe it was an 'incredible' deal that had been presented to the midfielder, and hoped that it would be impossible to refuse. However it appears he's chosen to end his time in Inverclyde.

Ton boss Imrie had hoped to keep the 29-year-old for at least a third season - but it looks like his efforts have been all in vain with the playmaker seen in Maryhill yesterday afternoon.

Crawford was one of a number of out-of-contract stars heading into a summer that promises to bring much change in Sinclair Street, with as many as 14 players without a deal, including top scorer Robbie Muirhead, fan favourite George Oakley - who scooped up a trio of Player of the Year awards - and skipper Grant Gillespie, as well as Lewis Strapp.

Imrie had previously told the Tele that he was aware of interest in a number of his players who had presented themselves under the spotlight as the club continued to punch above its weight.

And he revealed that they were looking to push the boat out this season in regards to recruitment.

He told the Tele: "When players are doing well it's inevitable that people are going to want them. So we're going to have to fight to keep them and we'll go again in the summer.

"The board for next season have really pushed the boat out to allow me to try and keep the ones that I want. So I'm hoping that the offers that have been presented to the ones I want to keep are ones that they cannot refuse.

"In the time I've been here, it's certainly good offers that have been put on the table for some of them.

"That's pleasing for me and it means that hopefully they can continue to push the boat out moving forward as well. Hopefully they can see the progress that we've been making.

"That's maybe why they've loosened the purse strings a little bit. But I understand there's always going to be restraints because there's no one person facilitating the budget.

"So I really appreciate the chairman and the board and the General Manager for allowing that to be the case and we'll see what happens."