Cole McKinnon got sick of seeing Brown’s Celtic bury Rangers but Somerset Park spell changed his perception of ex Hoops skipper
Ayr United’s Scott Brown
Honest Cole McKinnon admits he used to HATE Scott Brown when he was a Celtic captain who regularly beat Rangers.
But now, the midfielder is full of admiration for the Ayr United gaffer – and hopes he becomes a top manager.
The former Ibrox youngster spent the second part of last season on loan at Somerset Park under former Parkhead icon Brown.
As a boyhood Gers supporter, McKinnon treated him as the enemy when he was embroiled in Old Firm battles.
But after working with Brown, and ex- Rangers defender Steven Whittaker, at Ayr – he’s now a big fan of the Hoops legend.
McKinnon told Mailsport : “Ayr was good for me. I went there after meeting Scott and Steven.
“I’d worked under Whitts before with Scotland Under-21’s so I knew him.
“It was my first ever chat with Scott but he’s a nice guy. He’d watched me play and at the end of the season, he gave me a lot of praise for how well I trained and played.
“The move didn’t really work out the way we both wanted it to but I really hope Ayr do well this season because it’s a club going in the right direction.
“I grew up hating Scott as Celtic captain because I was a Rangers fan. But then I ended up playing under him.
Cole McKinnon in action for Ayr Utd
“He was really different to what I thought he’d be. He’s such a good guy and it just shows you can’t hate on someone for something like that.
“Hopefully, he’ll become a great manager in the future.”
The 22-year-old is currently without a club after leaving Rangers but is determined to kick-start his career this season.
He said: “I’m open to everything. I had chances when I was younger to go down south but at that time I felt my future was at Rangers.
“Now, it just needs to be right and the best option for me.
“I believe I can play at a high level. You always have to back yourself and believe in your ability.
“At the same time, I know I might have to take a step back to go two forwards.
“I’ll assess my options and hopefully make the right decision.
“I want to play every week at a good level.”
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