Alan Lauder Morton was a Scottish international footballer and "Wembley Wizard". He was known for his stirring wing play as an outside-left and commitment to Rangers. He retired from active play in 1933.
Playing career
Club
Morton was born in the Jordanhill district of Glasgow. He grew up in Airdrie, where his family relocated due to his father's work. After leavingAirdrie Academy he had an unsuccessful trial with Airdrieonians. Consequently, he entered studies to become a mining engineer while playing with Queen's Park, the famous amateur club. Once fully qualified in 1920 he turned professional, becomingBill Struth's first signing as manager of Rangers, but only on the proviso that he could maintain his position as a mining engineer. Morton only measured 5 ft 4 inches in height but his talent lay in his physical balance, speed and thought. As a result of this association, Struth's intuitive training and the combination of an array of internationals, Rangers enjoyed a sustained period of success. Highlights included the famous 1928 Scottish Cup triumph against Celtic in which Rangers ended a 25‑year wait to win the Cup 4–0. In addition to this Morton went on to receive winner's medals as Scottish Football Leaguechampion in 1921, 1923, 1924, 1925, 1927, 1928, 1929, 1930 and 1931, and as a Scottish Cup winner in 1930; he received runners-up medals in 1921, 1922, and 1929. He made his debut for Rangers against Airdrieonians on 17 August 1920, and played his last game against the same opposition on 7 January 1933. "The Wee Blue Devil", as he was nicknamed, played 470 times for the Gers and scored 109 goals. Morton's dress was as precise as his play. He was a familiar figure strolling down Paisley Road West towards training at Ibrox sporting a bowler hat and umbrella, which caused locals to dub him "The Wee Society Man".
International
Morton had already been capped while an amateur before joining Rangers but would go on to play in every international against the Auld Enemy, England, from 1920 to 1932 bar the fixture at Old Trafford in 1926, eventually winning 31 caps. In addition he made 15 appearances for the Scottish League XI and four Scotland wartime appearances. It was in the 1928 full international in London where Morton, as part of an under-rated Scottish side that beat England 5‑1 in driving rain to record a famous triumph, earned the moniker: "Wembley Wizard". Three of Morton's crosses were converted by Huddersfield Town's Alex Jackson. Ivan Sharpe, the ex‑player and writer, commented on the victory: "England were not merely beaten. They were bewildered – run to a standstill, made to appear utterly inferior by a team whose play was as cultured and beautiful as I ever expect to see."
Retirement
After retiring Morton's impact was felt as an administrator, becoming a powerful figure within Scottish sport. He was appointed to the Rangers board and he remained there until the year of his death. Further afield, he demonstrated an inclination toward Unionist politics in reaction to the rise in post-War Scottish nationalism. Today a portrait of Morton in his Scottish strip stands at the top of the marble staircase at Ibrox's Main Stand, such is his enduring stature at the club.
