Allan Moore and Morton agree terms for vacant post

Published on 22/05/2010 01:01

ALLAN Moore has verbally agreed to become the new manager of Morton and expects the formalities of his first full-time dug-out post to be completed early next week.

The Stirling Albion manager held discussions with Cappielow chairman Douglas Rae late into Thursday night before they shook hands on a three-year contract.

Rae is on business in the Netherlands over the weekend and Moore will have to wait until Monday or Tuesday to sign a deal to succeed James Grady and Allan McManus in Greenock. Moore was top of Rae's six-man wish-list from the outset after the 45-year-old led Stirling to a remarkable Second Division title triumph on goal difference – and has got his man at the second attempt.

The excessive 160,000 compensation demands of Albion chairman Peter McKenzie ended Rae's move last autumn but McKenzie has this time backed down to agree a fee for the final year of Moore's contract.

Moore, the 45-year-old former Hearts, Dunfermline and St Johnstone winger, was desperate for a crack at full-time football after eight years in his part-time role at Forthbank.

But he admits his decision to move on to another First Division club has not been taken lightly as he will also be forced to give up his lecturer job in the sports department at Cumbernauld College.

"I'm 99 per cent sure it's going to happen," said Moore

"It's a big move for me as I'm giving up a good job with the college, a job for life to be honest, and a safe job at Stirling. It's not something I have given up lightly. I probably could have stayed at Albion for another two years and then I was looking at a testimonial.

"The Morton deal is for three years. I wanted that. I'm determined to go there, prove myself and be a success."

Moore, however, will not settle quickly into his new life at Morton after admitting he has commitments to honour. "I've got to start getting players organised, but I'm away next week for two weeks with the college.

I then want to come back and have a holiday with my wife. I've told Morton that's the case."