Evening Telegraph (First Edition)
Bullish McInnes insists Aberdeen will meet campaign expectations
ABERDEEN boss Derek McInnes is confident the squad he’s put together can live up to expectations.
The Dons have come in for some criticism for their start to the Premiership campaign.
However, Saturday’s 3-0 success against Motherwell at Fir Park moves them within a point of third place.
Injuries have also hampered the Reds with Ash Taylor, Scott Wright and Funso Ojo all still on the sidelines.
Various others have also missed matches because of i njury problems this term, with Craig Bryson and Stephen Gleeson recently returning from setbacks.
Lewis Ferguson and Curtis Main were unavailable at the weekend due to suspension.
Prior to Saturday the Dons had only won one game in five, with the most disappointing result being a 5-0 defeat to Rangers.
However, after victory against t he Steelmen, McInnes is optimistic for the season ahead.
The Pittodrie gaffer said: “I think it’s too early to make assessments on any team. Before Saturday we were eight games into a season.
“The l eague doesn’t settle down until the turn of the year and then you’ve got an idea of where you are.
“I’ve been a manager 12 years. There are times when management is easy when you j ust pick the same team, on you go again, you win and you’re just ticking them over Monday to Friday.
“There are other times when you need to really dig deep and work hard with the players you have available.
“We’ll be good this year. I’m confident with the squad we’ve put together if we can get them fit and on the pitch we’ll meet the expectation.”