Ex-Greenock Morton Chairman dies aged 87

The former Greenock Morton chairman and businessman Douglas Rae has died at the age of 87.

Mr Rae stepped down from the club in April due to ill health and took up the role of honorary club president with his son Crawford becoming chairman.

The businessman formed the Golden Casket confectionery company in the 1950s which went on to create popular sweets such as Millions.

He had served as a director of Morton in the 1980s and 90s and took over the club when it faced financial difficulties in 2001.

Mr Rae received an OBE in the Queen's birthday honours list in 2016.

A statement from the football club he had supported all his life read: ''It is with profound sadness that we at Greenock Morton Football Club announce the passing of honorary club president and former chairman Douglas Rae OBE.

Born on 14 June 1931, Mr Rae attended his first Morton match aged eight alongside great friend Arthur Montford and held a season ticket each and every season thereafter until joining the board in 1988.

After over eight years as a director, he resigned from that role on 1 August 1997 prior to a regime change at Cappielow before returning to buy a controlling interest in the club and preserve its very existence.

As a supporter, he saw the club participate in national cup finals and watched as footballing icons such as Sir Stanley Matthews and Tommy Lawton turned out for the Ton as wartime guests.''