Next Morton Manager: Four Potential Candidates to Replace Ian Murray
Greenock Morton have parted company with first-team manager Ian Murray, with first-team coach Bill Orr also leaving following a winless start to the season at Cappielow.
Murray was appointed in January on an 18-month contract but departs with just four wins from 29 matches, with Morton currently bottom of the Scottish Championship on one point from eight games, three behind second-bottom Queen’s Park.
His final game ended in a 2-0 defeat at Inverness Caledonian Thistle, extending Morton’s winless run to 17 matches in all competitions.
First-team player Michael O’Halloran and assistant manager Gary Miller have taken interim charge, with Miller previously filling the caretaker role before Murray’s appointment.
The timing adds further pressure to the search for a successor, with Morton also dealing with a well-documented cash-flow problem after sponsor Dalrada reduced its payments, meaning the next manager could have to work within a tighter budget.
Football betting sites, including bet365, have already named contenders for the Morton job, so here at Free Bets we've picked out four names being tipped for the Cappielow hot seat.
Next Morton Manager - Four Potential Candidates
With Morton searching for a new permanent manager, here are four realistic candidates who could step into the Cappielow dugout.
James McPake
James McPake has been out of work since leaving Dunfermline Athletic in December 2024, bringing an end to a two-and-a-half-year spell that included promotion to the Championship and the League One title.
The 42-year-old previously guided Dundee to promotion via the Scottish Premiership play-offs in 2021 and won the SPFL Championship Manager of the Year award, giving him a strong track record of winning promotions in Scottish football.
His experience and availability make him a name to consider, although Morton's league position and tighter budget could influence any potential appointment.
Michael Tidser
Michael Tidser made almost 250 appearances for Morton across two spells and remains a popular figure at Cappielow.
He is currently in interim charge of Kelty Hearts after stepping up when Tam O'Ware left in September, having previously guided the club to back-to-back promotions before a difficult spell at Dunfermline in early 2025.
His long-standing connection with Morton and current caretaker status could make Tidser an appealing option if the club favour continuity and someone with an existing understanding of Cappielow.
Dean Shiels
Dean Shiels has been out of management since leaving Coleraine by mutual consent in April 2025 and was previously interviewed for the Morton job when it became vacant in December 2025.
The former Rangers, Hibernian, Kilmarnock and Dunfermline midfielder spent two years managing in Northern Ireland with Dungannon Swifts and Coleraine, while he has also previously expressed an interest in returning to Scottish football.
Having already been considered for the role, Shiels could come into the reckoning again if Morton decide to revisit previous candidates.
Scott Brown
Scott Brown has been out of work since leaving Ayr United by mutual consent in March 2026, having taken charge of more than 100 games during his time at Somerset Park.
The former Celtic and Scotland captain has since been linked with several vacancies, including Derry City and Hibernian, after previously managing Fleetwood Town before rebuilding his reputation during his spell with Ayr.
His Championship experience and familiarity with Morton from their regular meetings could make Brown an interesting option for the Cappielow board, although he has not been directly linked with the vacancy.
Other names being mentioned alongside this group include former Livingston boss Glenn Whelan, sacked after just nine games in September, and veteran Championship manager Ian McCall, who left Clyde by mutual consent in October 2024 and previously had a playing and coaching association with Morton.
This page will be updated if a frontrunner emerges or a permanent appointment is confirmed.
Morton's search for a new manager comes before a home game against Raith Rovers on Saturday 3 October, live at Cappielow.
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