Ray McKinnon on becoming new Falkirk boss: "It was a tough decision"

Ray McKinnon gave his first press conference as Falkirk manager on Tuesday afternoon, answering a barrage of questions about the way he left Greenock Morton.
Ray McKinnon's first press conference as Falkirk manager (All photos: Michael Gillen)Ray McKinnon's first press conference as Falkirk manager (All photos: Michael Gillen)
Ray McKinnon's first press conference as Falkirk manager (All photos: Michael Gillen)

McKinnon became Falkirk boss on Friday afternoon, after only 93 days in charge of Morton.

Questions on the 48-year-old's Cappielow exit dominated his opening presser, before he insisted that the focus turned to Falkirk.

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"I spoke to Morton on Friday afternoon and they gave me permission to come and speak to Falkirk," he told media.

Ray McKinnon getting used to his new coloursRay McKinnon getting used to his new colours
Ray McKinnon getting used to his new colours

"I drove up here on Friday afternoon, spoke to Margaret [Lang] at length and after speaking to Margaret and taking everything in consideration - I made a very, very tough decision and that tough decision was to become the new Falkirk manager."

Explaining his decision to become the new Bairns boss, McKinnon sighted conversations with Margaret Lang and the facilities on offer at The Falkirk Stadium: "After speaking to Margaret, I was really impressed with their vision for the club and where they want to go.

"I thought I would like to be part of that and I would like to be the person that leads that.

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"There's a good infrastructure here, there was at Morton as well. It was important that when I spoke to Margaret we had the same vision and we did. That's why I made the decision, the decision is made and it's not going to change."

Ray McKinnon will be joined by assistant Darren Taylor (right) at FalkirkRay McKinnon will be joined by assistant Darren Taylor (right) at Falkirk
Ray McKinnon will be joined by assistant Darren Taylor (right) at Falkirk

McKinnon knows that any change will not happen over night, adding that Falkirk are bottom of the table 'for a reason'.

"There is work to be done. We are a work in progress, it's a case of working with the players that are here and trying to improve them.

"There's a good group there and hopefully we can inspire them to be the best they can be and start climbing the league."

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The new manager's first game in charge is on Saturday against Connah's Quay in the Irn-Bru Cup, but he has already seen most of the players in action - having watched the weekend defeat at Ross County and Monday's reserve match against Partick Thistle.

A new era is set to get underway at The Falkirk Stadium...A new era is set to get underway at The Falkirk Stadium...
A new era is set to get underway at The Falkirk Stadium...

"It's too early to make opinions on players and their strengths and weaknesses after two games. It's important to make sure that every player gets the opportunity to impress.

"There are some positives, and some negatives obviously, but the focus is to work them very hard and climb the league."