HUNDREDS of people will toast Morton legend Andy Ritchie at a special celebration of his long and much-valued association with the club - along with a host of guest speakers from Scottish football.
The much-loved Cappielow heor - who has carried out an ambassadorial at Morton - is stepping back after 50 years in the game.
And his many fans and friends are thrilled to host a special dinner in his honour in September.
The former star player, who has been dubbed 'King of Cappielow', is famed for taking the club into the premier division.
Chic Kavanagh, who is on the organising committee, said: "I've been a life-long Morton fan, since my dad lifted me over the turnstile at Cappielow when I was two or three, so I have been a fan for 60 years.
"I was lucky that when I was 13 or 14 I got to see Andy play, and he was great to watch.
"He wasn't the fastest but he had a bag of skills and his free kicks were something to behold, he used to bend the balls around the goal post against Scotland defenders, including Alan Rough.
"He was a brilliant player. He took us into the premier league when we were still a part-time team.
"We'll have guest speakers, Gordon Strachan and retired referee John Rowbotham, and clips of Andy's goals.
"Andy lost his brother at the start of the year. I think that is what made him decided to take a step back [from Morton duties] - he's 68 - I think he wanted to spend more time with his family.
"He's made a huge contribution to football, not just to us. He's always been in the game, he used to scout down south for players as well."
The celebration is a sell-out with more than 300 family, friends and fans flocking to pay tribute to the iconic Morton star.
Andy joined the club in 1976 and spent five years at Cappielow delighting fans as he helped to propel an upward trajectory into the premier.
He was also instrumental in Morton reaching the semi-finals of two domestic cup competitions.
Andy returned to Cappielow in 2019 and worked as a hospitality host, club ambassador and matchday online commentator during the pandemic.
Gerry McDade, who is compering the event, said: "David Carswell came up with the idea to hold a dinner and we put a committee together and I am hosting it.
"We have Gordon Strachan as the main speaker, I've worked with Gordon for many years up and down the country and is an excellent after dinner speaker.
"I think it will be a brilliant night, we also have retired referee John Rowbotham who is also an excellent speaker.
"I've worked with Andy for the last five years in hospitality at the club and even though he doesn't kick a ball anymore he is still a big draw. Everyone knows who is is, even young kids as their dads and grandads have told them about him.
"He was part of a golden era for the club under manager Benny Rooney.
"He still has such a pull that when the tickets went on sale at 10am, they sold out at 4pm that day."
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel