MORTON forward Robert Thomson is looking forward to playing under new manager Ray McKinnon again.

The former Dundee United boss was unveiled as Ton’s new boss at Cappielow yesterday.

The Greenock side have been searching for a replacement for Jim Duffy for over a month and after carrying out a thorough interview process they have made their move.

Thomson played under McKinnon at Brechin City during 2014-15 when he was in charge, and the forward says he made an instant impact when he moved to Glebe Park.

The striker scored seven goals in 14 games after his mid-season transfer to the League One side, and his form eventually saw him earn a move into the Championship with Dumbarton.

The 25-year-old enjoyed his time with McKinnon, who the forward said helped make training enjoyable, and made it clear what he wanted from his side, which the forward believes helped make his time at Brechin a success.

Thomson told the Tele: “He signed me at Brechin after I’d been released from Dunfermline, and I was with him for a year and a half before he got the Raith job.

“He was good, I thoroughly enjoyed my time playing under him, we did quite well when he had just taken over that season.

“In regards to training he was quite laid back with his approach, which helped make it a good relaxed environment, and he knows what he wants from his team.

“He makes it clear to everyone how he wants to play and knows their roles, and I think that’s one of the reasons why we did so well at Brechin.

“It was a good environment to play and train in. Everyone got on with each other and I think it showed on the park.”
McKinnon began his managerial journey in the juniors with Lochee United, before taking up the reins at Brechin City in 2012.

He spent three seasons at Glebe Park, securing two play-off finishes in his time with the League One club, before moving to Raith Rovers.

After securing a play-off place in his only season in charge at Stark’s Park, he then earned a move to Dundee United.
In his first season in charge, McKinnon guided Dundee United to third place in the Championship.

After progressing to the play-off final by beating Morton and Falkirk, the Tangerines were edged out by Hamilton 1-0.
In his second season he was sacked in October with the Tangerines sitting in fourth in the table, five points off the top of the table.

By the end of the campaign they finished third, 13 points behind champions St Mirren, and lost in the play-offs to eventual winners Livingston.

Thomson believes McKinnon was hard done by after losing his job at Tannadice and feels his experience in the division will stand him in good stead at Cappielow.

He added: “He went to Dundee United and you see what happened to Raith the following season, you don’t know if that had any part in the manager leaving.

“It sounds like he was unfortunate at United, they weren’t far off the top when he was sacked. He’s a good manager and he obviously knows the league well.”