After making the trip to London early in the summer Morgan was introduced to the S.D. set up (Do I have a knack for finding good players or what!).
Gartland's fooballing past is somewhat shrouded in mystery but it is known that he learnt his trade in the Paddington area of London. He was quite fortunate as he was introduced to players of better quality from Shepherds Bush and Queens Park as he was studying with them at the time. I believe this brought out the best of his raw talent which would have remained untapped had it not been for the guidance of these newcomers to his home turf.
It was reported that 'Dixie' represented his school side in the Metropolitan Police five-a-sides and it was here that his talent was first observed by the masses.
Player qualities:
Morgan is a strong yet highly skilful player with loads of tricks. He has good vision and is a quick thinker on the ball with good finishing.
Final thought:
Gartland was a good signing for S.D., finishing joint top goalscorer with Carl 'Lash Toe' Busby. His silky skills and intricate interplay was on par with Laudrup and he kept a cool head when it came to taking penalties.
1999 Update
Morgan made the team for the second year running and played every game in full except the big one! yep, at the end of normal time in the cup final he substituted himself and Kenny raced on to replace him. Despite his obvious disappointment at not finishing the final, Morgan can be well-satisfied with his contribution to the cause, his cool-head on penalties deserving special attention.
Morgan led the line with Carl through the tournament, and scored some vital goals as well as helping out at the back. Also, being the predator that he is, Morgan often was following up at opportune moments when shots were saved. One memory is of a free kick where I rolled it back to Joseph, whose shot crashed off the 'keeper, and quicker than you could say "Daniel Amokachi", there was our man with an unstoppable follow-up. Well, it seemed unstoppable until the inspired goalkeeper completed a double save!
His deceptively lumbering gait often confused defenders who focused more on the lithe Carl Busby, but Morgan quickly established himself after the first few games, and future opponants were certainly much more aware of Liverpool's finest export since Gerry and his Pacemakers.
2000 Update
Morgan missed the first tournament of the millennium amid rumours that Everton have bid £3.5m for his services. The latest news suggests he is prepared to hold out for a Bosman transfer to pocket a hefty signing-on fee of £2.50 and a signed Big Dunc Fergie T-Shirt. As is the case with all Everton prospects, expect him to get injured, get arrested, fail miserably and then sign abroad where he will be an instant hit!
