Brechin City boss Ray McKinnon had a colourful playing career which started at Dundee United in 1986 and ended at Broughty Athletic 20 years later.
McKinnon also played for Aberdeen and Nottingham Forest, among others - the SPFL Spotlight fell on the Glebe Park gaffer this week, ahead of his side’s Angus derby against Forfar at Station Park on Saturday.
What’s the best goal you have ever scored?
That was in a 3-1 win for Dundee United against Motherwell at Fir Park in 1996. I won the ball in a tackle about 30 yards out and drove forward. I cut in and exchanged passes with Gary McSwegan before hitting the ball home with the outside of my foot from the edge of the box. I also scored a hat-trick of free-kicks in one game against Kilmarnock - they were all quite decent but the Motherwell one tops them.
What’s the best game that you have played in?
Despite the result, the 1991 Scottish Cup Final for Dundee United against Motherwell was a classic game to be involved in. It was disappointing for everyone associated with United to lose, in fact it was devastating, but it was a terrific game that Motherwell won 4-3 in extra time. On a personal level, playing for Nottingham Forest against Manchester City at Maine Road was a real high for me. I scored that day to make it 1-1 and Stuart Pearce hit Forest’s second goal and that game is a really special memory.
What is your favourite away ground?
I always enjoyed playing at Ibrox as it is a big pitch and a big atmosphere. I played there against the likes of Graeme Souness, Paul Gascoigne and Brian Laudrup and I did enjoy a number of successes there. The best was probably when Robbie Winters and Kjell Olofsson scored in a 2-0 victory.
What is your favourite other sport?
I really like my golf although I am very average at it! I am certainly in no hurry to bring my handicap down.
What was your favourite pre-match meal?
It was always fish and beans when I was a player and it is still very similar with the players now. We are pretty strict with them at Brechin - the players usually get to choose from chicken, fish, beans and pasta.
Who is your favourite singer?
Probably Paolo Nutini. I do not choose the music for the players on match days but their taste is terrible. Kane, who is the hamper boy at the club, plugs in his iPhone and the music starts and I know it is time to get out of the dressing room.
Who is the biggest moaner you played with?
Dave Bowman and he is still a moaner today! He was a terrific player and different class off the pitch but on it he was a moaner. He was my room-mate for away games and a terrific team-mate.
Who had the best football tricks?
In Scotland that has to be Paddy Connolly, who I grew up with at Dundee United. In terms of dribbling with the ball and nutmegging players Paddy was exceptional. In England there was a player at Forest called Ian Woan and his left foot was incredible. Overall I will go with Paddy.
Who was the worst dressed during your time as a player?
Michael O’Neill, without a shadow of a doubt! Although he has done well for himself as the manager of Northern Ireland I hope he has now has finally got some style about him!
Who was the best trainer?
Rab Shannon at Dundee United was ahead of his time. He was the first player I had known who would do sit-ups and press-ups after training. The young players took notice of that and we soon started joining him with an unofficial club formed from players doing extra work.
Who was the best dancer?
I was going to say Alex Cleland but Brechin chairman Ken Ferguson just beats him to it! There was a reunion recently of the people that used to go to the famous Flicks Nightclub in Brechin in the 1980s and there is footage of Ken giving it large!
Craig Stewart
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