Celts boss says McInnes ideal for Black Cats
DEREK McINNES insists he still has work to complete at Aberdeen as Brendan Rodgers told him he’s the perfect man for Sunderland.
Reports from Wearside claim Sunderland, relegated from the Premier League, will approach Dons chiefs on Monday for permission to speak to their boss.
McInnes refused to be drawn into the speculation on the eve of the Scottish Cup Final but said: “It’s no distraction.”
He insists he’d be happy to stay at Pittodrie next season and continue the sterling work that has seen them finish second to Celtic three years in a row.
However, it came with a caveat as he hinted he’d only be really comfortable in his post if the Pittodrie board match his ambition.
McInnes said: “There is a natural end point for a lot of people in football but I don’t feel it is now. I still feel there is more to achieve.
“I’m protective of my own career. There have been opportunities to move in the past but I have never been in any real rush to leave Aberdeen.
“If we continue to do our jobs well there may be opportunities in the future but a lot of things would have to be right for me to consider leaving.
“I made a bad decision leaving St Johnstone for Bristol City. I actually feel I did a lot of my best work as a manager there but sometimes results don’t always back that up.
“In addition any manager can only be as strong as the team round about him. The focus over the next few weeks will be on me, the recruitment team and board to bring reinforcements in.
“We are recruiting from a position of strength, we can offer players a lot.
“We have European football and the chance to play in cup finals.”
Rodgers, who first forged a relationship with McInnes when they were in charge at Liverpool and Bristol City respectively, has been impressed with the work of the ex-Rangers midfielder.
He’s not surprised to see Sunderland linked with McInnes and said: “He is absolutely perfect for it. I thought to myself when I saw the reports he would be a really good fit.
“Sunderland need someone who can go in there and organise and who has been at a big club and Derek has been there.
“He played at Rangers, he has been down in England so he understands it. He has done great work with Aberdeen, which is a big job, and would give them life.
“He has built something up over four years at Aberdeen. However, he may look at Sunderland as a possibility to get into the Premier League with 50,000 fans and a great stadium.”