TO be a supporter of Greenock Morton Football club is a case in grief chasing rather than glory hunting.

Only a dedicated masochist throws their all in with a team which some 29 years ago spent their last season in Scottish football’s top league and since have been relegated from the second tier more than once and even flirted with going out of existence when they were plunged into administration.

If there is any soul about you, Morton is a club you want to do well. Except perhaps for Paisley folk. And while there have been a few promotions along the way and one or two cult heroes, back to the great Andy Ritchie to flash Finn Marko Rajamaki, these have not been easy years for Inverclyde’s finest.

However, there is something going on at Clyde's south bank, a remarkable Scottish football story which should gladden the heart of all. It is a tale which could end with Morton back in the big time after an absence of three decades.

Jim Duffy, superb manager, a God in Greenock and all-round good bloke, has in the space of less than three years taken the club he captained from League One to where they are now, which is in the Championship on the same points as second place Falkirk with two games in hand, seven behind leaders Hibernian, who have played a game more, and all-but guaranteed of at least a Premiership play-off place.

Morton haven’t lost at their Cappielow home for a year now, they still have to play Hibs twice, and would any of their potential opponents in a play-off want to face this young, fearless team who came mighty close recently to drawing with Rangers at Ibrox?

The question now is not whether Morton the team are good enough to get to the Premiership but rather is the club itself ready to make the jump. You better believe they are.

Warren Hawke, chief executive and former player, is impressively relaxed about what lies ahead.

“There is absolutely no reason the club could not handle being promoted,” said Hawke in a rare spare half an hour in-between meetings. “The stadium is fully equipped and, anyway, there is not the criteria there was before.

“There would be one or two things we’d want to do of course but other than that we are ready. Cappielow is a great stadium.

“We have worked hard to improve our hospitality and believe it is now the best in the league. Take it from me, there are so many people behind the scenes who are doing their own little things for the greater good in a bid to take this club forward.”

Even in Cappielow’s better days it was never the prettiest; however, it is refreshing and encouraging to hear that money won’t have to be shelled out in order for Morton to make the next step.

Hawke himself must take huge credit for the turnaround in fortunes but it is Duffy who is the hero of the piece.

“There is nothing more Jim could have done with the team,” said Hawke. “Our job at the club is to do all we can to back the manager because he has got everything right on the park. We have a young, exciting side and so many fans have come up to me to say this is the best football they have watched for years.

“We didn’t expect to be where we are but we still planned for it if that makes sense. Let’s see where this takes us.”

In recent weeks Morton have drawn and beaten Falkirk and taken a point from Dundee United at Tannadice. They are the form team in that division and have nine games, more than everyone else, to secure their final position.

It’s just a shame that the crowds are not there as only a few thousand hard souls go along to the home games on a regular basis.

“There was a real divide between the club and support not so long ago and it has been my job to bring everyone together,” said Hawke. “How we can entice more people to the games is the six million dollar question.

“We are the gateway to Inverclyde and I want to say to the people to know that this is their club, we are doing well and so come and join us."

Hawke was keen to praise Chairman Douglas Rae who one day will have a statue to him outside of Cappielow; a ground which, contrary to rumour, will be about for a while yet.

“We are not moving. This is our traditional home and a great place to play and watch football. There are no plans to sell up and go elsewhere.”

So can Morton do it? “Yes we can,” said Hawke after a pause. “What will be will be. We are just enjoying the moment.”