QUESTION AND ANSWER WITH RAY McKINNON


Q What do you think you’ll bring as a person to Brechin City ?

A I want to assure everyone that I’ll bring 100% dedication to the job
and a lot of experience. I have good coaching experience having
worked as an SFA coach for some time and I’ve also played at the
highest level.

Q What do you know about the squad ?

A I watched the team in their last game against Arbroath. I’ll give
everyone at the club a fair crack of the whip and every single player will be given a chance to prove himself. However, I won’t be making
any rash judgements. You can’t assess players’ capabilities watching
just one game and everyone here will be given a good opportunity to
show me what they’re capable of.

Q What do you see as your main priority as Brechin manager ?

A The first thing we have to do is stop losing goals as we’ve lost too
many since the start of the season. Having spoken to the chairman,
the main priority is to stay in the Second Division and I’ll be working
extremely hard to try and make sure we achieve that. I won’t be
setting any unrealistic targets but I can assure everyone that we’ll
do our very best in every game and try to win every game we take part
in.

Q What type of football do you want to see Brechin playing ?

A Ultimately, you want to play the best style of football you can play, but that comes down to the standard and quality of players you have at
your disposal. I’ll be assessing everyone’s qualities and capabilities
over the next few weeks.

Q You’ve played under some legendary managers. Who’s been the
Biggest influence on your career.

A As a player, Jim McLean was undoubtedly the biggest influence on
me. He was a fantastic coach, but to be honest I’ve learnt something
from everyone. You pick up tips and information from everyone and
it’s a matter of moulding that together whether it’s man-management,
coaching, or whatever and then developing your own style. I don’t
think that trying to mimic or copy anyone’s methods works. You have
to be your own man and put into practice bits and pieces you’ve
picked up from everyone.

Q Grant Johnston will be assisting you with the coaching at the club
and I’m sure you’ll be looking forward to working with him.

A Yes, I certainly will be. I’ve known and been friendly with Grant
since we first played together at Dundee United. I’ve been watching
him recently doing his youth licence. He’s been working hard at this
and is very passionate about it and I’m sure that he’ll be an
excellent acquisition to the club.

Q You’ve given up a secure full-time job to come into part-time
management which is notoriously precarious to say the least. What
made you make this decision ?

A I had a great job with the SFA which was very secure and well-paid
but I’m just passionate about becoming involved again. I managed
Lochee United when I finished playing and I very much enjoyed that
but the draw of managing a great club like Brechin was too hard to
turn down and the opportunity of stamping my authority on the team
and hopefully get them playing well was too good to miss.