Surprise as Mckinnon is named new Bairns boss

Falkirk’s hunt for a new manager has taken an unexpected twist with Morton manager Ray Mckinnon announced as their new No 1 last night.

Ayr boss Ian Mccall and former Dunfermline, Queen of the South and Ross County manager Jim Mcintyre had been linked with the job vacated by Paul Hartley this week but after being rebuffed by the duo Falkirk were made aware that the position could entice Mckinnon.

The move brings to an end a threemonth stay at Cappielow as the former Brechin City, Raith Rovers and Dundee United manager was only placed in charge of the Greenock side on a rolling 12-month contract at the end of May.

Morton had gone through a fourweek process to replace Jim Duffy, with former Livingston manager David Hopkin and Gregg Ryder, who has been a successful coach in Iceland, among the favourites for the job, with chairman Crawford Rae saying at the time that “when we interviewed Ray he was the absolute standout. He shared the vision that we have for the club.”

After finishing behind Ayr and Partick Thistle in their Betfred Cup Group campaign Mckinnon led Morton to joint top spot along with Ayr in the Championship with last weekend’s 2-1 win over Ross County making it three games undefeated.

The move would appear to have been done in record speed as Mckinnon posed with the Morton first team squad for their annual squad picture on Thursday before taking part in a video interview with the club’s media officer and took calls yesterday to discuss Morton’s game at Partick Thistle.

Last night Falkirk FC issued a statement welcoming Mckinnon’s arrival along with his assistant Darren Taylor.

Mckinnon thanked Morton for their support, adding: “Falkirk has always been a club I have admired. This is a very attractive position for any manager and I am really looking forward to getting started.”

Picture: SNS Group. Ray Mckinnon has been named Falkirk boss.