Evening Telegraph (First Edition)
Shinnie buoyed by boss staying
ABERDEEN skipper Graeme Shinnie believes a “dark cloud” was lifted from over Dons fans when Derek McInnes knocked back Sunderland.
Shinnie was one of many in the Granite City who believed his manager would be tempted by the offer to join the Black Cats in June.
However, t he former St Johnstone and Bristol City boss stayed put and has replenished a squad which finished runners-up to Celtic in the three major competitions last season before losing star names including Ryan Jack, Niall McGinn, Ash Taylor and Jonny Hayes.
Shinnie insists the feelgood factor has returned ahead of t he second leg of the Europa League third qualifier against Apollon Limassol in Cyprus on Thursday.
“With the players leaving and t hen t he manager looking like he was going to go I think there was a dark cloud hanging over the supporters,” he said.
“They didn’t know where the club was going to be going.
“But as soon as t he manager decided to stay, which was absolutely massive for the club, that gave the supporters a huge buzz and then after that it was new signing after new signing and big signings for us.
“Once that started to happen, the supporters to realised what it could be again this year and the European games have shown we are capable.
“I am not going to lie. I did expect him to go but I think it is a credit to himself. He really enjoys being the manager of Aberdeen.”