The Courier & Advertiser (Angus and Dundee)
Neilson wary of Bairns threat as ex-boss returns
As a former player and manager of Dundee United, Ray McKinnon knows the club inside out, writes Neil Robertson.
Which is why current Tangerines manager Robbie Neilson is in no doubt about how tough tomorrow’s game with McKinnon’s current side Falkirk will be.
The Bairns had a dismal start to the season with the club parting company with boss Paul Hartley after they lost their first three league games.
McKinnon left Morton to take over at the Falkirk Stadium and while he initially struggled to revive their fortunes, they have put together a threegame unbeaten run in recent weeks.
Neilson fully expects them to be difficult opponents tomorrow on what will be his opposite number’s first visit back to Tannadice since he was sacked in October last year.
Neilson said: “Ray’s come in (at Falkirk) and stabilised it a wee bit.
“They are very hard to break down and don’t open up a lot.
“They make it difficult for the opposition and try to hit on the counterattack.
“Coming to Tannadice, Ray knows the club well and the atmosphere.
“He’s aware that if they come here, try to sit in and attempt to nullify the crowd, then it can turn in their favour.
“So we have to make sure we are patient in what we do, try to exploit the way they play and basically make sure we win.”