McINNES OUT
ABERDEEN last night parted company with Derek McInnes after the club’s board lost faith in his ability to end the current slump. One month after chairman Dave Cormack gave the manager a public vote of confidence, the decision was taken to draw a line under his eight-year tenure, with the 49-year-old departing by mutual consent. Sportsmail understands that former Pittodrie midfielder Stephen Glass, currently head coach with USL Championship side Atlanta United 2, could be set to return to the club — possibly in a
director of football capacity. An interim team of Paul Sheerin, Barry Robson and Neil Simpson will take charge until a replacement is found. ‘This season has been unprecedented due to a number of factors and I am as frustrated as anyone that results haven’t been of the high standard which we set,’ said McInnes. ‘My motivation to deliver success has never wavered and, during my eight-year tenure, my staff and I have worked hard to elevate expectations and set a minimum standard which should be demanded at a club like Aberdeen FC. ‘I would like to thank all the players who have featured in my teams over the years, my current staff and players for their efforts and all the staff behind the scenes for their hard work and endeavour. To the supporters for their continuous backing and, of course, the board for their support during my time at the club.’ McInnes became Aberdeen boss in 2013 and guided the club to a League Cup victory over Inverness in 2014 — a first piece of silverware in nearly two decades. He revitalised the Dons, claiming four second-place finishes and leading them into Europe each season and to three other cup finals. Four years ago, he rejected the chance to become the manager of Rangers and Sunderland — with his strong working relationship with then chairman Stewart Milne a major factor in his thinking.
This season, he has struggled to reach previous heights, with the breaching of Covid rules by eight players after an opening day defeat setting the tone. Saturday’s goalless draw with Hamilton Accies proved to be his last game in charge with long-standing No2 Tony Docherty also moving on. Cormack paid tribute to the job done by the former St Johnstone and Bristol City boss, who succeeded Craig Brown in 2013. ‘During his time in charge, Derek raised the bar and delivered a level of consistency not seen at the club for many years, qualifying for Europe each season, and delivering a memorable Scottish League Cup win at Celtic Park in season 2013/14 with 43,000 Dons fans in attendance,’ he said. ‘Clearly, results since the turn of the year have been disappointing and frustrating for everyone. Derek and I reviewed where we were and agreed that this was the right time for him to step down. ‘The club now has the opportunity to appoint a new manager ahead of the new season where, with a number of players out of contract, we have work to do to build a competitive squad. ‘Derek and Tony leave with our thanks and gratitude for what they have achieved during their tenure. We wish them well for the future. ‘The board will start the search for the new management team immediately and has a clear timetable in place. In the meantime, we believe we have a robust interim solution for the rest of the season and the Scottish Cup, which is still all to play for.’