New Forfar manager says ‘time was right’ for return to dugout

New Forfar manager Ray Mckinnon admits the timing was “just right” for him to make his return to the dugout with the Loons.

The ex-brechin, Raith and Dundee United boss has taken the reins at Station Park following the departure of Gary Irvine and kickstarts his tenure with the visit of Bonnyrigg Rose today as Forfar look to move off bottom spot in League Two.

Mckinnon has enjoyed a year’s sabbatical since leaving Queen’s Park after guiding the Spiders to the League Two title.

“I’m really excited by this challenge and it totally came out of the blue, but the timing was just right to try and get back in,” he said.

“I went travelling, have been out running and obviously had a minor heart attack which has been well documented.

“When I got the call from the chairman on Thursday I just felt it was the right time.

“We basically spoke all day and he outlined his plans.

“It probably didn’t get done until about three so then it was just a case of getting up to training to meet the guys, introduce myself and train so it was just about trying to make it business as usual and a smooth process.”

The 52-year-old, who is taking charge of his ninth club since starting out in management with Lochee United, added: “I know quite a few of the boys already which helps.

“I had Craig Slater at Queen’s Park, Marc Mccallum at Raith, James Keatings at Dundee United and Ben Armour at Morton so I know the quality we have and there are some really talented boys at the club.

“Football is so much about confidence and nobody wants to be sitting bottom, so we just need to work hard and hopefully lift the place over the next couple of weeks.”

Bonnyrigg have entered the SPFL since Mckinnon was last in charge of a team.

Of the Station Park clash today, he said: “They have done great since coming up and you can see they are a very ambitious club with good players, so it will be a tough game but a great challenge as I’m sure all the games will.”

Mckinnon will be without central defender Darren Whyte, who faces another couple of weeks on the sidelines, while Callum Moore and Craig Thomson will continue to be assessed after missing last week’s defeat to Annan.

Meanwhile, the Loons have confirmed that assistant boss Gary Harkins has left the club following the departure of Irvine.

“Jeebsy” joined up with his former Dundee teammate and lifelong friend in June 2021.

The 37-year-old came on board as Irvine’s assistant but was also registered as a player.

Harkins made 25 competitive appearances for Forfar. His final game was last weekend’s 4-1 home defeat to Annan.

It is understood new boss Mckinnon will take his time in appointing a new number two.

Goalkeeping coach Wayne Henderson and fitness coach Mark Farrell will remain.

Assistant boss Gary Harkins, right, has moved on.