Falkirk and Morton end dispute over Ray McKinnon

Falkirk boss Ray McKinnon and assistant Darren Taylor. (picture: Michael Gillen)

The two clubs have been embroiled in a bitter feud after McKinnon and assistant Darren Taylor joined Falkirk from the Greenock outfit in controversial circumstances last August – just three months following their appointment at Cappielow.

An SPFL hearing into the appointment was held in December, with the Bairns found guilty of breaching two rules and were hit with a £60,000 fine, (£20,000 of which was suspended) with the proceeds going to the SPFL Trust.

However, both clubs stressed they were keen to move on from the heated dispute after reaching an “amicable settlement”.

Falkirk directors Lex Miller and Martin Ritchie (picture Michael Gillen)

A statement on Falkirk’s website said: “Falkirk confirms it has reached agreement with Greenock Morton to bring to an end the dispute with regard to our current management team of Ray McKinnon, Darren Taylor and Graeme Henderson.

“We now look forward to moving on and working together with our colleagues in Greenock to re-build the strong relationship between both clubs.

“We wish to take this opportunity to publicly thank the Falkirk fans who have been exceptional in their backing of the club and our management team to date and we ask that this continues as we enter a vitally important final stage of the season.”

A statement on Morton’s website said: “Chairman Crawford Rae is pleased to announce that the club has reached an agreement with Falkirk in relation to the departure of Ray McKinnon and staff to Falkirk, putting to an end the dispute with Falkirk.

Falkirk chairman Margaret Lang and Greenock Morton chairman Crawford Rae. (picture: Michael Gillen)

“Whilst the agreement reached with Falkirk is confidential Mr Rae is pleased to report that he is satisfied with the outcome and that the two clubs can now move forward on suitably cordial terms, for the remainder of the season and beyond.

“The resolution was made possible by the late involvement from Falkirk director Lex Miller who had an overwhelming desire to reach an amicable settlement for both parties and deserves much credit in getting both clubs around the table.”