Ray McKinnon becomes Brechin City manager

McKinnon teaches former Scotland striker Duncan Ferguson during an SFA coaching course

Former Dundee United midfielder Ray McKinnon has been named as the new manager of Brechin City.

The 42-year-old, who has been working with the Scottish Football Association, will be officially unveiled by the Second Division club later on Tuesday.

McKinnon replaces Jim Weir, who parted company with Brechin after a poor start to the season.

Brechin's new manager played in Scotland's top flight with Aberdeen and during two spells with United.

He also spent time in English football with Nottingham Forest, Luton Town and Torquay United, in Northern Ireland with Portadown and in the Scottish Football League with Livingston, Raith Rovers, Stirling Albion, East Fife and Montrose.

Brechin chairman Ken Ferguson told his club website: "Ray brings a wealth of coaching experience to the club and we wish to thank the Scottish FA for their cooperation with this appointment."

Coaches Kevin McGowne, Andy Millen and George Browning left along with Weir and McKinnon has appointed former Brechin and Dundee United midfielder Grant Johnson as his assistant.

"Both Ray and Grant have a passion for the game and how it should be developed at a part-time club," said Ferguson.

"The first priority is obviously to improve our league position with the club's long-term aim of build a community-focused club forming an integral part of this appointment."

McKinnon began his coaching career with Scottish junior outfit Broughty Athletic before moving into management with Lochee United, with whom he spent four years from 2006.

During his time with the Tayside juniors, he was linked with managerial posts at both Brechin and Montrose.

Instead, he became technical development officer with the SFA.

In January, he was named as part of new SFA performance director Mark Wotte's regional performance school coaching team, with McKinnon based at Hazelhead Academy in Aberdeen.

He takes over a City side who have slumped to their fifth straight defeat in Division Two, Saturday's 3-1 loss away to Arbroath being their first outing since Weir's departure.

Brechin sit third bottom of the table, a point ahead of East Fife and Stranraer.

McKinnon said: "I have heard nothing but good reports about Brechin City and I will give 100% effort to the job.

"I will make no rash promises as there are good teams in this league with no easy fixtures ahead.

"I am confident, however, that given time and support of the local community that hard work and dedication can help us improve our league standing."

You can follow Jim Spence on Twitter.