Joe Caven: Tributes as ex-Morton hero dies aged 86

Joe, who was 86, passed away at the weekend.

He sported the blue and white of the Ton during what was one of the most revered periods in the club’s history.

The centre-forward played alongside Allan McGraw in the all-conquering Second Division winning side of 1963-64.

Despite spending just two full campaigns playing in Greenock, Caven still held a deep affection for the club and its supporters.

He made his home in the small town of Nairn in the Highlands, where his house was called ‘Cappielow’, and he attended a couple of Ton games every season until latterly.

Joe's playing career began with a six year spell at Airdrie prior to a stint in England with Brighton.

After a year with Raith Rovers he signed for Inverness Caledonian, a Highland Football League club at that time, on the basis that if a Scottish League club came in for him he would be released from his contract.

Within weeks, Morton swooped to sign Joe.

He quickly became a perfect foil up front for fellow striker McGraw, who also passed away earlier this year.

The duo formed an unstoppable partnership before Joe left to pursue his career in South Africa in 1965.

Fans have been paying tribute to him online, sharing their memories from his heyday and more recent times on the www.themortonforum.com messageboard.

One supporter posted: "I still remember a game against Kilmarnock when we beat them 5-1 with McGraw scoring four and Joe getting the other goal.

"He still followed Morton and I know he got to a few games even although he lived up north in Nairn.

"Condolences to all his friends and family."

Another fan said: "Joe was a lovely guy.

"I was lucky enough to first meet him about 20 years ago on one of the Highland tours that Morton embarked on around that time.

"He was great with a story about that team, and took great pleasure in seeing how interested young lads in their twenties, as my pals and I were at the time, were in his time at Morton, despite never having witnessed it.

"Later, as we got to know him better, there was a time that we were invited into his house in Nairn and fed and watered before one of our many midweek visits to Ross County.

"The last time I met him was the 1-0 win up at Inverness last August and whilst I only really knew him as an ex-Morton player through second hand anecdotes, it was a pleasure to become friendly with him and his wife.

"A really sad day for Morton, and for the many fans who were fortunate enough to meet him on our travels."

Another fan wrote: "I met Joe after he readily agreed to come all the way down from Nairn with his wife to speak at a pre match event I'd organised in the indoor bowling club at Bogston.

"During the following week, he phoned me at the house to tell me how much he'd enjoyed the visit and thanked me profusely for the invite, while in fact, it was us who were indebted to him.

"He certainly was a lovely and interesting man."

In an interview with the Tele back in 2014, Joe spoke of his fondness for the Ton and the Inverclyde community as a whole.

He said: “Morton should be feared, it doesn’t matter who it is, any club should be worried about going to Cappielow.

"All through the years it’s been a place other teams have expected a hard game."

He added: “I was only with Morton for two seasons but they’re my team.

"I think it was to do with the people of Greenock and Inverclyde — they’re a different class in my opinion.

“Very, very hospitable people and I’ll always have a real soft spot for the club."