I wasn’t ready to walk away from Aberdeen role, reveals McInnes

ABERDEEN manager Derek McInnes has revealed he did not want to “tarnish” the relationships he has forged at Pittodrie by walking out for Rangers.

The former Gers midfielder spent two days in talks with Dons chairman Stewart Milne after Aberdeen rebuffed an approach from Ibrox on Tuesday before reiterating his commitment to the club.

The decision followed six weeks of intense speculation over his future after Rangers sacked Pedro Caixinha.

McInnes said: “It’s been a challenge for everybody. I had something to consider, as it is in life. If you are deemed to be doing well, you normally get opportunities and offers and decisions to make.

“But I wasn’t prepared to walk away just yet. I’m happy here, and I wasn’t prepared to tarnish relationships I have built.

“Hopefully everything gets settled down. None of this has been of our own doing. Since the official approach was made on Tuesday we quickly got it put to bed.”

McInnes and assistant Tony Docherty missed two days of training immediately before last night’s trip to face Dundee.

“We want to get back to normal practice,” he said ahead of the trip to Dens Park. “We have tried to be as normal and professional as possible throughout it. I don’t like when we don’t win games. Ultimately that’s why there has been a bit of a cloud.”