Five things you need to know about Ray McKinnon

With his first press conference out of the way, here's all you need to know about new Falkirk manager Ray McKinnon.
New Falkirk manager Ray McKinnonNew Falkirk manager Ray McKinnon
New Falkirk manager Ray McKinnon

Journeyman player

McKinnon's move to Falkirk caused plenty of controversy, with the Greenock Telegraph grabbing headlines when they showed the 48-year-old as Judas on their back page.

During his playing career, though, McKinnon played for nine clubs during eleven separate spells.

Standing alongside the badge, new Bairns boss McKinnonStanding alongside the badge, new Bairns boss McKinnon
Standing alongside the badge, new Bairns boss McKinnon
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Starting out with Dundee United, McKinnon moved on to Nottingham Forest after four seasons before playing for Aberdeen and eventually returning to Tannadice.

He then went on to represent Luton Town, Livingston, Raith Rovers (over two spells), Stirling Albion, East Fife and Montrose.

He also signed on at Torquay United and Portadown, playing no games for the former and just one for the latter.

Managerial success

McKinnon's assistant, Darren Taylor, has been with him everywhere he has been.McKinnon's assistant, Darren Taylor, has been with him everywhere he has been.
McKinnon's assistant, Darren Taylor, has been with him everywhere he has been.

Ray McKinnon's first job in senior football came in 2012, with Brechin City.

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He quickly went from strength to strength on his departure from Glebe Park, earning himself a move to Dundee United, where he spent most of his playing days, after just a year at Stark's Park.

After just over a year in the Tannadice hotseat, his spell came to an end in October 2017. Csaba Laszlo has proven that it's not the easiest place to manage.

As has been widely reported, McKinnon was in charge of Greenock Morton for just 93 days before taking the job at The Falkirk Stadium on Friday.

Million pound man

In the summer of 1992, McKinnon moved to Nottingham Forest - costing the English club £750,000. Unfortunately, he failed to reach the levels that manager Brian Clough expected and returned to Scotland - joining Aberdeen for £300,000. He went on to cost Dundee United £200,000, bringing his transfer fee total to way over £1million.

Win ratios

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The all important records. In eight games at Morton, McKinnon had a 50% win ratio. Will leave that aside, as unimportant.

His Dundee United win ratio was 54% and in 43 games at Raith, McKinnon picked up 23 victories.

116 games at Brechin brought 50 victories and a win percentage of 43% - that led to him grabbing the Raith Rovers job.

All in all, successful spells and a manager that knows the lower leagues of Scottish football.

Youth record/transfer policy

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McKinnon prides himself on his transfer policy and his network. Richard Mitchell, Falkirk's scout based in the midlands, was cut off by the club today as McKinnon believes he can deal with recruitment, along with assistant Darren Taylor, both north and south of the border.

McKinnon brought in 13 new players at Dundee United including Billy King, Fraser Fyvie, Tom Scobbie, Scott MacDonald and James Keatings and developed several young players who went on to secure high-value moves to England, such as Harry Soutar who moved to Stoke City for £200k+ and Keiran Freeman who moved to Southampton for £100k+.

At Falkirk, McKinnon will have to work with 17 players, having only brought in one of those (Zak Rudden) himself.