Speaking in an update released to supporters, Barr addressed a number of issues, including the team’s poor start to their Premier Sports Cup campaign, Ian Murray’s future at Cappielow, and the proposed investment from the Estrella Football Group.
He also revealed Morton will be without seven first-team players for today’s clash with St Johnstone at McDiarmid Park.
“As we said in the June update, the playing budget is reduced this year,” Barr said.
“It’s probably one of the lowest, if not the lowest, in the division.
Ton’s nightmare start to the competitive season began with a 1-0 defeat at home to Linlithgow Rose in their opening League Cup fixture. (Image: Gary Bradley)
“That probably was always going to be the case after the Dalrada income dropped by £500,000.
“Supporters are going to have to be patient with Ian and his players.
“He’s taking all the flak at the moment, which isn’t fair, because he’s working with a hand behind his back at the moment, if not a hand and a half.
“We’re still working on a couple of loan signings that are hopefully close to being done, and we’re working hard to free up any extra budget for him.
“We’ve got seven players out for Saturday. it’s going to be really tough. We’re taking 15-year-olds with us.”
Barr also revealed that additional funding promised to the club by Dalrada has yet to be paid.
Financial difficulties within the technology firm have delayed the payment, dealing a further blow to the Cappielow club.
However, Barr remains confident the outstanding money will be paid in full in the near future.
“I think it’s also important that we give supporters an update on Dalrada,” he continued.
“Per the original agreement that was put to the MCT members last year, they’ve met that in full. It’s been paid in full.
Graham Barr urged Morton’s fans not to direct their ire at Ian Murray. (Image: Gary Bradley)
“There was additional funding agreed between Dalrada and the club. In recent months, Dalrada have faced their own business challenges, and they’re a wee bit behind with that.
“That’s putting a lot of pressure on the club as well. We’re working closely with them to get through that situation.
“They have committed to us that the funding will be paid in full. It’s just a timing issue.
“As a community-owned club, we’re not in a position to gamble with our finances. Other clubs might be able to add £100,000 or £150,000 and take that punt.”
Addressing the proposed investment from the Estrella Football Group, Barr said the process is nearing completion.
However, unlike the Dalrada funding, Estrella’s investment will be used to improve the club’s infrastructure rather than supplement the first-team budget, with the aim of securing Morton’s long-term future.
He also revealed that general manager Mark Kelly is working on a new sponsorship agreement that could bring the club a six-figure sum over the next three years.
“Mark (Kelly) and the board, as we speak, are working on a sponsorship deal that would hopefully bring in nearly six figures over the next three years,” Barr said.
Graham Barr’s update covered a number of pressing topics both on and off the pitch. (Image: Supplied)
“It’s not all doom and gloom. There’s a lot of good work going on behind the scenes.
“The Estrella deal is going on in the background. It’s progressing well and we’re engaging with them.
“It’s important to realise that’s not about supplementing the first-team budget. That money is about infrastructure, which is different to Dalrada, which was earmarked for the first team.
“That Estrella money needs to safeguard the club’s future, help us invest in the stadium, potentially training facilities and loads of other things that can help the club in the long term rather than the short term.”
