Megson message to Sunderland after failed raid on Dons

a massive difference. But it didn’t affect Derek and that’s what was so impressive about him.

“He was a big hitter in a small pond at Stockport but he was brilliant for me.”

When Megson moved on to West Brom, McInnes was one of his first signings after the club had f lirted with relegation to League One.

He said: “When I got the job I knew I wanted to bring Derek in.

“His qual it ies were exactly what the club needed. He was an honest , hard-working lad, a good player and a great talker.

“In terms of doing the job right, he was perfect for West Brom at that time.

“There was no big- time Charl ie about him. He just worked very hard, concentrated on his fitness and gave everything he had in every game.

“That’s what I needed to rub off on some others at the club.

“I don’t think you ever know for certain someone will be a good manager. Lots of people want to get into it but then don’t put the work in. Derek obviously did.

“When I look back at the players I’ve had in my managerial career, he fits the mould you’d expect to go into it. Michael Appleton was the same in that regard. Kevin Nolan is another player I had and he has now gone in at Notts County.

“They’re all working their way up and it’s great to see.

“Derek was a leader of men and everyone respected him – not just in the dressing room but around the whole club as well.” Megson is sure McInnes would have turned the fortunes of Sunderland around if he’d taken the hotseat.

He said: “Derek was part of our West Brom promotion team with the 17th highest wage bill. We were way down and punching above our weight.

“To do that you n e e d hone s t y, endeavou r and desire – and Derek has a l l of those things. I expected him to find a similar situation to West Brom at Sunderland.

“He would have done well there. Sunderland will be expected by their fans to go straight back up from the Championship at the first attempt.

“But Derek has been part of a club that has gone up from there before so he wou l d h av e known what was required.”