CRAIG McPherson has agreed a deal that will see him installed as Morton assistant manager, the Tele can exclusively reveal.

The former Ton midfielder had been lined up by Jim Duffy as his No2 since he was appointed a fortnight ago.

Greenock-born McPherson has now thrashed out terms on a two-year deal and will take his place in the dugout next term.

A club spokesperson said: “Greenock Morton Football Club are delighted to announce that Craig McPherson will be joining the backroom staff as Jim Duffy’s assistant.

“Local boy ‘Hagi’ will be returning to the club after a hugely successful spell at Falkirk, where he was instrumental in the development of youth academy players into first-team regulars.

“His experience is essential and intended to enhance the club’s long-term strategy of investing in the development of local talent.

“The board and the manager are delighted with this appointment and wish Craig a highly enjoyable and successful period back at his hometown club.” McPherson, 43, kicked off his senior career with his local team. It was back in 1994 that Morton legend and then-manager Allan McGraw took a chance on amateur McPherson.

The midfielder, nicknamed ‘Hagi’ after Romanian star Gheorge Hagi with whom he was likened due to his educated left foot, was playing with Gourock Amateurs when McGraw swooped.

Between 1994 and 2000, McPherson made 118 starts, 67 substitute appearances and scored six goals for the club.

But with the Ton in turmoil at the turn of the millennium, he elected to join Clyde on a Bosman transfer in the summer of 2000.

After a brief spell at Broadwood, he went on to serve both Airdrie and Falkirk with distinction, often featuring at left-back.

Following his retirement in 2006 and a short break from the game, he was offered the role as the Bairn’s head of youth. And it is from his position there that he has resigned to return to Cappielow.

Currently in the process of gaining the prestigious UEFA Pro-Licence, McPherson is a respected coach and popular personality who is expected to prove an important addition to Duffy’s backroom team.

he was instrumental in the development of youth academy players into first-team regulars.

“His experience is essential and intended to enhance the club’s long-term strategy of investing in the development of local talent.

“The board and the manager are delighted with this appointment and wish Craig a highly enjoyable and successful period back at his hometown club.” McPherson, 43, kicked off his senior career with his local team. It was back in 1994 that Morton legend and then-manager Allan McGraw took a chance on amateur McPherson.

The midfielder, nicknamed ‘Hagi’ after Romanian star Gheorge Hagi with whom he was likened due to his educated left foot, was playing with Gourock Amateurs when McGraw swooped.

Between 1994 and 2000, McPherson made 118 starts, 67 substitute appearances and scored six goals for the club.

But with the Ton in turmoil at the turn of the millennium, he elected to join Clyde on a Bosman transfer in the summer of 2000.

After a brief spell at Broadwood, he went on to serve both Airdrie and Falkirk with distinction, often featuring at left-back.

Following his retirement in 2006 and a short break from the game, he was offered the role as the Bairns’ head of youth. And it is from his position there that he has resigned to return to Cappielow.

Currently in the process of gaining the prestigious UEFA Pro-Licence, McPherson is a respected coach and popular personality who is expected to prove an important addition to Duffy’s backroom team.