APPRENTICE IS NOW A MASTER

Coyle hails McInnes — Rangers’ No 1 target

THE bond between Owen Coyle and Derek McInnes runs deep. So much so that if, for example, the Aberdeen manager was ever in need of a glowing job reference, the man he faces in the opposite dugout at Pittodrie today would be more than happy to provide it.

Employment opportunities in Scottish football are appearing at an alarming frequency at present, with six managers in the top two leagues having been dispensed with since the beginning of August.

Coyle was the — blameless — beneficiary of Jim McIntyre’s demise at Ross County a month ago. Now, with the Rangers board having finally lost patience with Pedro Caixinha, the managerial merry-go-round could be about to start again.

The vacant role at Ibrox will attract numerous applications but there is a school of thought that suggests McInnes is the safe and sensible bet.

Coyle, for one, knows his qualities inside out, having first been impressed by the 46-year-old when he joined him at Dundee United back in 2003. Although only together at Tannadice for a brief period, McInnes would leave a lasting impression.

‘I know Derek very well,’ said Coyle. ‘We worked together at Dundee United when I was a player/coach. Ian McCall brought Derek back from West Brom where he was captain, and he became captain at Dundee United.

‘I knew him before that, but getting the chance to work with him and getting to know him better then you get to know the qualities — not just the footballer, but how he is as a man.

‘It was only natural, then, that when I went to St Johnstone (to be manager), I tried to bring him in that summer.

‘He went to Millwall, who made him a really good offer, for six months but I never gave up.

‘I got him for St Johnstone the following January as a player/coach as he still had a lot to offer as a player. He was outstanding for me in the middle of the park, while taking the Under-18s and then the reserves.

‘He had a clever head on his shoulders and I knew he wanted to progress into coaching and management. That was part of the lure of bringing him to St Johnstone. ‘I had been afforded that opportunity and I knew that was something that would sit well with him. ‘When Sandy Stewart and I left to go to Burnley, it was a natural progression for him and I mentioned that to (Saints chairman) Geoff Brown, who knew the good work Derek had been doing. They were after continuity and he was ready for it.’

Coyle was to assist McInnes in joining him down in England when Bristol City were on the lookout for a new boss back in 2011. McInnes had a somewhat mixed experience over two years but his old mentor believes he has proven himself by the way he recovered from his time there. ‘We all saw how well he did at St Johnstone, so much so I remember speaking to the Bristol City chairman Colin Sexstone about how good he was,’ continued Coyle.

‘For me, and people may say I am biased, I thought he did well down there in the circumstances.

‘We all know English football can be very cruel at times, but he has bounced back in magnificent fashion.

‘At Aberdeen, he knew he was going into a big club and fair play to him — he has been fantastic.

‘Tony Docherty is important too — a wonderful foil for Derek. He is a really good character and they bounce off one another.’

While there may be frenzied speculation over his future, Coyle insists McInnes will remain focused when County come to call.

Having been on the end of a harsh lesson from Celtic on Wednesday night — the 3-0 reverse a stark reminder to all of the gulf that exists between the champions and the best of the rest — Aberdeen will be looking to bounce back straight away.

‘Whatever else is happening, above all he and the rest of the Aberdeen lads will be hurting after the Celtic defeat,’ said Coyle.

‘That will be foremost in their minds.

‘They went into that game believing they had a genuine chance of going clear at the top of the table.

‘They started the game all right and Graeme Shinnie got a couple of shots away early on but, however strong Celtic are, Aberdeen are still a very good team. Derek has some very good players.

‘There was a little turnover in the summer with players leaving, but he brought in some very good replacements.

‘They have effective players at the top end of the pitch, such as Adam Rooney, Gary Mackay-Steven, Ryan Christie, Kenny McLean and Stevie May. They are all capable of doing something.

‘We will be respectful of that, but we have one or two players that can cause them problems, as well. We aim to start the game well, on the front foot.

‘They will be looking for a reaction, having lost to Celtic. Aberdeen have not been used to losing games. They will want to get back to winning ways.

‘But we want to continue our unbeaten run and are looking to build momentum.

‘Derek will know they will be in for a tough game against a Ross County side that will be looking to be positive.

‘It has the makings of a very good game.

‘It will be good to catch up with him and Tony, but they know we will be going all out to win the game before we have a blether.’