Sheerin refuses to put hat in ring

ABERDEEN caretaker manager Paul Sheerin is not putting himself forward for taking the job on a permanent basis.

Sheerin will take charge of his first game tomorrow when Aberdeen face Dundee United.

The 46-year-old will be assisted by Barry Robson and Neil Simpson following the departure of Derek McInnes and his number two Tony Docherty.

The former Arbroath boss, who was brought to Pittodrie as under-20s coach in 2014, has no intention of throwing his hat in the ring.

“None whatsoever,” he said. “I’m not part of that process and as it stands I don’t intend to be in the near future. I am more than happy to help out the club.

“I know that will be results-based. If I win the game on Saturday, who knows? In terms of my mindset and the club’s mindset, it may alter that. But as it stands I’m more than happy just to help out and not put pressure on both the team or myself to win the game. I just want to relax going into the game and do all we can to pick up three points.”

Meanwhile, Sir Alex Ferguson has offered to provide Derek McInnes with a reference as he tipped the former Pittodrie boss to bounce back into top-flight management.

McInnes left by mutual consent last week after eight years at the helm but former Manchester United and Aberdeen boss Ferguson, who led the Dons to domestic and European glory in the 1980s, is confident it will not be long before he is back in the dug-out with a “big” club.

Ferguson said: “Derek is a top-class, experienced manager who still has the energy of youth. He is capable of taking on a big job. If I was asked for a reference for him, I would gladly supply it.”

Reds chairman Dave Cormack revealed earlier this week that the 79-year-old had offered his services as a “sounding board” as his old club step up their hunt for McInnes’ successor.