MEET the new man at the helm of Southampton docks.

Glasgow Rangers fan, keen golfer and father of two Douglas Morrison, 53, takes over the reins from current port director Andrew Kent on April 1.

Speaking exclusively to the Daily Echo, he told of his pride at being given control of the "jewel" of Associated British Ports' crown and his dreams for the port of Southampton's future.

Chief among his ambition's for his new charge is a fourth cruise terminal to cater for the booming cruise market.

He also outlined his vision for a future without the Dibden Bay terminal, which was vetoed by the government last year in a decision he brands as "lousy".

Determined to be known by all his 200 staff simply as Doug, he describes his management style as "friendly" and says he has "no airs and graces".

An ABP man through and through, Doug started his 37-year career with the port giant as tea boy when he was a green 16-year-old fresh out of school.

He rose through the ranks until he joined ABP's board of directors when he was appointed port director of Hull & Goole in April 2003.

Doug said: "The chief executive, Bo Lerenius, asked me to come to Southampton and I was only too delighted to come. In our terms, Southampton has always been regarded as the jewel in the crown and to come here is a great honour.

"It is not the biggest in terms of tonnage but this is very high profile in our company. It is cruise ships, cars and containers and it is a very different business. It is a vital driver behind the success of the company."

He says a key aim is to bring the city and its port closer together.

"I think when it came to Dibden Bay, people didn't really understand how important it was for the city. I think most people wanted it but didn't make their voices heard. The port is absolutely vital to the economy of the city and maybe that message isn't getting through. I want the city and the port to get closer than they have ever been."

For a full interview, see Tuesday's Business South supplement