04/12/2007 – We heard that the story of Morton legend Andy Ritchie's career was being immortalised in print - by an English sportswriter based in Tenerife.

John Riddle, sports editor of a Canary Isles English language newspaper, became fascinated by the way Ritchie is revered by Ton fans - and decided to write a book about the man once described as 'The Idle Idol'.

John said: "About six years ago, I came to Gourock where my partner Lorna was born.

"I fell in love with the lady and the place and I have made my base in the Spinnaker Hotel.

"The owner, Stewart McCartney, and I share a love of football and in conversation we talked at length about Morton.

"I heard a lot about a guy called Andy Ritchie and how he was something special."

(Image: Newsquest) Intrigued, John carried out a series of interviews with the ex-Morton maverick, whose sublime skills and astonishing free kicks set Cappielow alight in the late 70s and early 80s.

John said: "I travelled to Greenock to meet Graeme Ross, who wrote the Morton Greats books, and Vincent Gillen, who wrote a history of the club.

"Things just went from there.

"Fans from New Jersey and India have contacted me in response to a message I left on a supporters' web board and every time I come to Greenock I get more information.

"I have also had a lovely note from Alex McLeish with a tribute to Andy."

Last week's look back: St Andrew's Day celebrations in Larkfield

John got so caught up in the club that he joined the Morton Supporters' Trust and became a shareholder.

He said: "Next to Hartlepool United, who I have supported for 51 years, my next love is Morton.

"But I am not alone in supporting this great little club."

The working title for John's book was 'The King of Cappielow' and he hoped to complete it the following year.