Steadfast McInnes will still be coveted
OWEN COYLE considers Derek McInnes to be not just a first-rate football manager but a friend and confidante. And such has been his rise, his decision to appoint him St Johnstone player-coach over a decade ago has been assuredly vindicated.
When news of Sunderland’s interest in the Aberdeen manager reached fever pitch in midweek, Coyle’s natural instinct was to call the man then holidaying in Florida to offer his services as a sounding board if required.
While the eye-watering money McInnes would have gleaned from signing on the dotted line made the move almost inevitable in the eyes of most observers, Coyle wasn’t in the least bit surprised to encounter a man consumed with far more than a huge pay-rise.
‘It was only a brief chat as he was inundated with calls,’ Coyle told Sportsmail.
‘Aside from Derek being a very talented player and a terrific coach and manager, he’s also an intelligent man.
‘I think when compensation was agreed, most people assumed he was going to take it but he told me he’d a lot to think about both at Aberdeen and at Sunderland.
‘There’s a perception that because he lost his job at Bristol City he didn’t do well. But there were so many circumstances at play.
‘After that, he’d have looked for certain assurances at Sunderland. Equally, he has a huge connection at Aberdeen with the fans and an unbelievably good relationship with the chairman. That’s what every manager craves.
‘I can speak from experience and it’s a huge carrot to go to England and do well. Even at a smaller club like Burnley, getting them into the Premier League was fantastic. There’s no question it’s the best league in the world.
‘So you can understand why he would have a willingness to hear what Sunderland had to say.
‘Ultimately, though, he’s decided to remain at Aberdeen, to rebuild them and make them stronger.’
Were he to succeed in doing just that, there is little doubt that clubs more appealing than Sunderland will eventually covet his services.
The notion that snubbing one English outfit means every other one will score him off their list is nothing short of preposterous.
If anything, Coyle believes, the single-mindedness McInnes has shown in staying with the Dons has enhanced his standing in the eyes of would-be suitors.
‘People will look at it and will recognise that there’s a man who’s not afraid to make a big decision,’ Coyle added.
‘Derek has shown he is prepared to do what he feels is right. You saw that in the cup final when he switched captains at the start of the week. That was a big call.
‘He’s done that throughout his career and has done it last week in terms of a huge decision over his own future.
‘It tells you he is mentally very strong and isn’t afraid to make those kind of decisions. I think that will stand him in good stead.
‘I’ve no doubts, as the years roll by, that he’ll want to put what happened at Bristol City right and show people what we already know — that he’s an outstanding manager.’
McInnes’ decision may be good for Aberdeen but it also does the standing of the Scottish scene no harm whatsoever.
Weeks after Brendan Rodgers declared his first year at Celtic to have been the most fulfilling of his professional career, there’s a sense that the game here has its mojo back.
‘I think Scottish football is becoming more attractive again,’ Coyle continued.
‘There are so many positive things happening. Brendan Rodgers has come into Celtic, had real backing, and is on record as saying that this is the happiest he’s been in his professional life.
‘Rangers are going to be better next year. Pedro Caixinha has made a number of signings. Time will tell what all their qualities are but I’m pretty sure there will be a few good players among them.
‘Aberdeen need to try and maintain what they are doing and get closer to Celtic.
‘If you look at the other teams, there are stable environments and that helps managers.
‘St Johnstone have had a period of success because of the way Geoff Brown and now his son Steve go about things. The same applies to Ross County under Roy McGregor. Ann Budge is showing similar qualities at Hearts.
‘The other thing is that the national team look as if they have got themselves back to a level where they are capable of winning the next few games.
‘There are good young players coming through, it’s becoming a more positive environment.’
Despite the countless challenges McInnes faces to build on the success of the past four seasons, Coyle believes his old friend wouldn’t be there if he didn’t believe it could be done.
‘He’s lost a few players but I hope with the new director (Dave Cormack) coming in, with plans for a new stadium and training facility, that there would be funds for him to push on,’ he said.
‘We all know there’s a huge gap to Celtic but if teams don’t try and close that it’s only going to get wider. I’m sure he will make Aberdeen stronger again.’
lOwen Coyle was speaking at the McDonald’s & Scottish FA Community Football Day in Milngavie, encouraging youngsters to play football at a grassroots level and celebrating Quality Mark clubs in the area. For more information visit http://www. mcdonalds.co.uk/betterplay