Anyway, Morton's losses appear to be down from last year, but the fact that losses are still being posted is far from surprising. After all, we are one of only two full-time clubs in this Division, with several high-wage earners on lengthy contracts. The money paid for Chris Templeman to Brechin and the player himself, as well as stadium-related expenditure, didn't exactly help the balance books. However, club chairman DDF Rae didn't seem overly concerned with this, and his financial contribution to the club thus seems to be in little doubt for the forseeable future.
On the team side of matters, spirits were buoyed by the news that more transfer money remains in the kitty, despite the purchase of "Sanny" from Brechin. This money will mostly be going towards defensive signings; rumour has it that two SPL players are firmly in Morton's sights. One, a Celtic youth player, might be a permanent signing, akin to Morton midfield maestro Chris Millar. The "McInally Connection" at Parkhead might help us land another player who, like Chris, didn't quite make the grade at Celtic, but is a firm stand-out at division two level.
The other signing, it seems, could be a loan deal. The key name mentioned at this point was Kilmarnock youngster Shaun Dillon. The defender has been playing professionally for quite a while, ergo it may surprise you to learn that he's still a Scotland Under-21 squad member. Pulling off the signing of a player of this calibre would be a major coup, even if it is only temporary.
However, both of the above signings are fresh-faced and youthful. This flies in the face of comments made by both Jim McInally and club captain Derek Collins over the last few weeks; both see the need for more experience and stability in a side that is made up of players who are probably no stranger to getting ID'd. With extra transfer money still available, it seems possible that an experienced SFL campaigner might be brought in to help prevent a collapse like last season's.