Ex-Ibrox assistant Johansson ready to go own way at Ton

NEW Morton manager Jonatan Johansson insists the time was right to become his own own man after being appointed as Ray McKinnon’s successor.

The former Finland and Rangers striker signed a two-year deal on Thursday and will make his dugout debut in next weekend’s Championship clash away to Dundee United.

Johansson held the role as No 2 at Ibrox and served under Pedro Caixinha, Graeme Murty and Jimmy Nicholl before leaving when Steven Gerrard was appointed as boss in May.

The 43-year-old also acted as assistant manager for his national team and actually began his coaching career at Ton as under-20s coach before taking up a similar post at Motherwell in 2012.

And Johansson admits he is thrilled to have been handed the opportunity to take his first step into management at Cappielow.

Johansson, who stays locally, said: “This summer when I was back in Finland to do some commentary on the World Cup you think a lot and you plan a lot and you set out again what you want to do with the rest of your career and I felt this was the natural next step.

“To get this chance so soon is great for me. I’m proud and excited to be here and I can’t wait to get started, it’s a great place for me to be working and a great opportunity for me as a manager.

“You set out a plan when you start coaching but it never really goes the way you expect.

“I wanted to learn with the youth set-up and I went full-time with Motherwell.

“After three years I felt it was time to push and challenge myself again.

“I knew Finland was looking for an assistant and I applied and got it.

“It was fantastic to work with really good professionals and the best Finland has with players.

“That was a real learning curve and that made me ready for Rangers.”

Despite the dugout turmoil at Rangers in the 13 months he spent as assistant manager at the club, Johansson insists he still looks back fondly on that period.

He added: “My time at Rangers was fantastic as well; a great, big club and with everything that happens you learn so much and become a better coach and a better and stronger person.”