Brechin City boss Ray McKinnon was delighted to see his pal George Shields get his chance in management at Montrose, but he wants him to be disappointed when the sides meet at Glebe Park today.
McKinnon said: “I have known George a long time and I was really pleased for him when he succeeded in getting the manager’s job at Links Park.
“He is a terrific coach who has worked hard to get a chance as a number one and I am sure he will do well there, but hopefully from next week onwards.
“It may well be a friendly between us but it is a game I am sure everyone involved at Brechin will be looking to win as it is a derby match.
“That will make it a bit more interesting for the players and the fans.”
Brechin faced Aberdeen 10 days ago in a game designed to help the Pittodrie side prepare for Europe, and McKinnon reckons the game against the Gable Endies will tell him more than the one against the Dons.
The Glebe boss explained: “The Aberdeen game was very early in our preparations for the new season and whilst it was a good exercise it did not tell me a great deal about where we are in terms of readiness.
“The Montrose game will tell me more so I am looking forward to it.”
Centre back Darren McCormack will feature after agreeing a deal this week and Spanish defender Edu Cruz will be given another chance to earn a contract.
McKinnon noted: “If he does well in this game then we can talk about taking things further.”
The Links Park visitors will have up to eight players trying to win a deal at the club.
Shields said: “We have Terry Masson and Bryan Deasley missing due to holidays so I will take the chance to have a look at a few boys. We will have 10 signed players with us, three players we are very close to agreeing something with so we will have a strong squad.
“The five others have the chance to impress and give me food for thought.”
Shields has moved quickly to fix up another pre-season match after the cancellation of his side’s home game against Peterhead on July 15.
The Gable Endies will face a Dundee XI at Links Park on the same night with a 7.15pm kick off.
Admission prices for Montrose’s home pre-season matches have been set at £6 and £3.