Gary Bollan: Ray McKinnon has got great managerial credentials
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Forfar Athletic boss Gary Bollan has said Ray McKinnon has all the qualities to succeed as manager of his old club Dundee United
As a former Dundee United player, Bollan has been keeping a watchful eye over the events at his old club throughout the summer, having played alongside McKinnon at Tannadice during his playing days.
But as he explains exclusively to Ladbrokes News, their relationship goes a lot further back than that.
Bollan said: “I know Ray very well indeed. Not only did we play together, but we grew up together too.
“Ray’s got great credentials as a manager.
“He showed his qualities at Brechin and Raith Rovers and I’m sure he’ll bring all of them to United,” the Forfar boss explained.
“He’s brought in new players and he’ll be trying really hard to change the mindset in that dressing room and it looks like they’re getting there.
“I’m sure he’ll be looking to add to his squad to enhance it further because it won’t be easy in that division with Hibs, but I’m sure Ray will do well there and do well for himself.”
Bollan’s Forfar have enjoyed an excellent start to the new campaign, winning their opening three matches in Ladbrokes League Two, but explains that having a settled club off the pitch is just as important as work on the training field – something that he reckons McKinnon will be trying to get to grips with at United.
He added: “I think football fans that go to games sometimes see things at face value, and maybe don’t realise the amount of work – and whatever else – may be going on behind the scenes.
“The main thing for Ray and his players is to put a winning team on the park to keep the fans happy.
“At the end of the day, if your team is playing well and winning games, that’s what managers are paid to do but outside forces can hold you back sometimes, and I’m not sure many people realise that.”
United are unbeaten in eight league and cup games so far this term, and McKinnon can continue his impressive start at Tannadice when Raith Rovers come to town and the Arabs are 4/6 favourites for three points.
All Odds and Markets are correct as of the date of publishing.
