IRN-BRU SFL PHENOMENAL FIRST DIVISION MANAGER OF THE MONTH – ALLAN MOORE (Morton)
Morton Manager, Allan Moore, was not well enough to attend the recent Hampden presentation of his IRN-BRU SFL Phenomenal First Division Manager of the Month Award for December, his second of the season, but he showed the resilience required to be successful as he was back in the dugout a couple of days later.
The 1-0 success that came against Falkirk two days later that took the Greenock men back to the top of the League table also shook off any lingering illness.
Moore had been struck down with a sickness bug that had kept him away from his Cappielow club all week however, he was happy to speak over the telephone about his award that was earned after wins over Airdrie United as well as fellow title chaser Partick Thistle and Dunfermline Athletic.
Moore said: “It is always good to win this award although I did joke that it was the 'Kiss of Death' earlier in the season when I won it and we then went on a disappointing run.”
The Greenock men ended 2012 in pole position for promotion to the SPL and it could be said that the often discussed mythical disappointing run that follows winning the monthly award has happened already to Moore’s men.
Morton lost 3-0 to Dumbarton in their first game of 2013 before being held 1-1 at Cowdenbeath with Moore saying: “It was a huge come down after the way we ended the year and some people were saying that was about having pressure put on us by being top of the table. I would say it was more about tiredness to key players after a busy festive period.
“To be fair, Dumbarton played really well and Cowdenbeath had brought in three new players so credit to them as well. There is always pressure at this club as our fans put pressure on us as they want to see their team at the top of the League.”
Moore has welcomed the news that Chairman Douglas Rae is willing to invest further to help secure SPL football as he said: “That is a bonus especially as he was contemplating part-time football recently due to our crowds. It has been a long time since Morton have had a chance and that is all it is, a chance of promotion and if he is willing to back us that is fantastic.
“We have a good squad already and we have experienced players as well as a good group of young players. I learnt a lot from John Lambie in terms of winning a division and hopefully, that is what we have done in terms of the players we have recruited but there is a long way to go.”
As for proposed restructuring plans for Scottish football Moore was keeping things simple saying: “I have not read too much about it and I am not a great mathematician so I am not sure of all the possibilities. What I do know is that the Champions of the First Division will be promoted and that has to be our goal.”
