It’ll be new Don for title contenders after break
DEREK McINNES last night hit back at the critics who wrote Aberdeen off as title contenders – and insisted his side is ready to mount a credible bid for silverware in the second half of the season.
McInnes and his players have catapulted themselves into the thick of the argument at the top of the table by securing seven wins from a run of nine top-flight matches – and could leapfrog Rangers into second place today with a win over Hearts.
But, after guiding the Dons to the runners up spot over the last four seasons, the ambitious Pittodrie boss has his heart set on going one better in the New Year.
In an exclusive interview with Record Sport McInnes said: “The natural assumption is to talk about us going for second place – that we are not going to be first – and I get that. It doesn’t irk me.
“I understand it because Celtic have the experience and the depth of squad and more quality than any other team.
“We have shown that we will only be a few points off the top at the half way stage. We want to stay close to whoever is at the top, whether that’s Kilmarnock, Celtic or Rangers.
“It’s too early to say if something crazy could happen this season – just as it was too early to write off my team after the first six or seven weeks.
“But when we get to the split and you’re still there or thereabouts, then you become serious contenders. That has to be our aim.” NORTHERN DELIGHTS INSIDE THE WINNER