From GMFC.net:
1) Ability to spot players strengths and build on same
2) A great encourager of players
3) Above average ability in 'reading' a game during a match and the ability to spot and attack opponents' weaknesses.
4) Calm and patient under pressure
5) Great strength of character
6) A players' Manager
It is the third, fourth and sixth points that seem to speak volumes. Many felt McCormack's tactical nous was somewhat lacking; his angry reaction to a fan's vitriolic shouts at Dumbarton late last season certainly showed him to be someone who did not react to the sometimes extreme pressure lavished upon all involved at the Greenock club. If Jim can do exactly what it says on the tin, and use the undoubted qualities of a minority of our players to guide the rest through a game tactically and strategically, he will earn the respect of all those who have resigned themselves to the grim reality that much of this squad is simply not good enough to challenge at the top.
But not all think this way. There is a small band of supporters who believe that the players simply could not perform under the increasing authoritarian auspices of Cowboy. There may be a grain of truth in it - after all, it was these same no-hopers who were at one stage 13 points clear at the top of the division. Whether or not McInally can reintroduce the spark that had Morton dominating the Division last year remains to be seen.
He may not even want to. Wary of the media stories of excess and ill-discipline in the Morton camp over the last few years, he may opt to bring in his own players if he cannot gain the cooperation of the current crop. The sixth point in Rae's list, as well as a telling announcement yesterday stating that the new manager would have to be understanding of "real life" issues regarding the players, already has lead some to fear that he may be a soft touch who the prima donnas can take for a ride. Certainly a manager these days must kow-tow to his players in a way unimaginable in the past, but it is hoped that McInally can find the middle ground between spineless compliance, and the alleged shouting matches that dogged McCormack's last weeks at the club. A true players' manager will do precisely that - act as mentor and guide to the players, but also manage the team so that spirit and discipline are not compromised.
At this stage, Jim's managerial record is not a lengthy document, comprising just one season at Sligo Rovers. But, as Craig Levein showed, it's not impossible for a young manager with only one club's worth of experience to surprise everyone by achieving quick success. We at Morton-Mad wish McInally the best of luck in this endeavour, and will be right behind him this Saturday against Berwick.