Brechin boss Ray McKinnon has hammered home the message to his players that they have “everything to gain” in their promotion play-off semi-final against Championship outfit Alloa.
McKinnon was speaking at Tannadice yesterday after picking up the League One manager of the Month award for April.
It is the third time the former Dundee United, Nottingham Forest and Aberdeen midfielder has received the accolade in the last four months and with his stock rising, he has been linked with the vacant managerial posts at Raith Rovers and Dunfermline.
However, at the moment, he is fully focused on the challenge posed by a dangerous Alloa side who possess the threat of former Newcastle striker Michael Chopra and a player McKinnon almost signed, Liam Buchanan.
He said: “There is nothing wrong with a couple of awards but the team deserve it, they have been doing well.
“However, I am not sure if it is a curse or a boost ahead of the play-off!
“Seriously though, we have only had two defeats in 25 games and the boys have been fantastic so while I am delighted to get the award, all credit goes to the team.
“They are the ones who put in the performances.
“I spoke to the boys on Monday night and told them that Alloa have everything to lose and we have everything to gain.
“That’s the sort of attitude we need.
“We are in this league trying to get out, they are trying to stay in there.
“So they are holding something we are wanting.
“That will be our mentality to go out and take it from them. They will be favourites as they are in a higher league and have boys like Chopra who played in the English Premier League.
“We also had Liam in pre-season and he was going to sign for us but Barry (former Alloa boss Smith) gave me a ring asking about him.
“To be fair, I just could not afford him on our budget.
“So he went away and got a deal at Alloa.
“He actually shares a house with our player Darren McCormack.
“Unfortunately Darren was sent off at the weekend against Stranraer. He made a great block but the ball spun up and hit his hand.
“The referee sent him off but I am going to have a chat with the SFA to see what the situation is regarding that.
“It was the worst decision I have seen from a referee all season.
“I normally never criticise referees but how could he send him off for that?
“So we will see what we can do about that.
“It would be a shame if he couldn’t play against his house-mate Buchanan. It would be a real head-to-head and a good duel.
“We had Alloa watched on Saturday and they are a good side but we are looking forward to the games. They should be crackers.”
McKinnon has steered his team into the play-offs on the tightest of budgets in a season when there have been two full-time sides in League One in Morton and Dunfermline.
The financial realities are something the manager accepts as he is fully aware that City are determined live within their means and he revealed that chairman Ken Ferguson has told him that will not change even if they do win promotion to the Championship.
He said: “Alan Trouten was up for Player of the Year and is our top goalscorer but he has missed 14 weeks of the season because of injury.
“We couldn’t replace him but if we had like for like we would probably win the league and I mean that.
“But we couldn’t replace Trouten or other key players when they were injured.
“I think Paul McLean has played right-back, right centre-half, left centre-half, left-back and wide right for me.
“He has had to play in all these positions.
“So it is some achievement for us to be in the play-offs.
“It is a tough, tough league so all credit to the players and hopefully we can get over the finishing line.
“We have nothing to lose and could potentially be playing in a league next season with the likes of St Mirren, Rangers or Hibs.
“It would be an unbelievable league to get into for a team like Brechin with the resources we have.
“So it is all to play for.
“I have spoken to the chairman about it (playing in Championship) and they can’t move on their budget as there are restraints on this club.
“So it would be very tough but you would rather be there than not be there.
“I am sure they would generate some money with the teams that would be there.”