WINDOW SHOPPER
And instead of approaching Aberdeen’s summer shopping with trepidation, he’s excited. He’s fired up at the thought of rebuilding his Dons squad to try to defy the odds again in the Premiership. Because he knows exactly what he needs to make his side stronger. McInnes has already got the ball rolling by securing Mikey De v l i n and L ewi s Celtic Park, Today, 12.30, Live on Sky Sports Ferguson on pre-contract deals from Hamilton Accies.
Money could be tight as the Dons push for their new stadium and training ground.
And the challenge will be greater next term with Hearts and Hibs getting stronger, the Steven Ger rard factor at Rangers and Celtic’s relentless push for glory.
But it’s a challenge that McInnes is relishing.
He said: “I already know what I need to do for next season.
“We’ve signed Devl in, Ferguson and Sam Cosgrove, three younger ones. But we need ready-made players as well – guys who are ready to step in and take responsibility. “I need a couple of central midfielders, with Kenny McLean and Ryan Christie going. “I know what needs to be done but there’s a lot to be positive a b out . Hav i n g De v l in a nd Scott McKenna together at t he back is exciting for me. And it’s great that we’ve got Joe Lewis back behind them. “Gary MackaySteven and Niall McGinn wi l l have a big part to play next season. “But certainly the middle of the park – and maybe another striker – are positions where we need to strengthen.
“I’m actually excited about recruiting this summer.
“I’ve known for a long time what we need to do.
“I see what we’ve got here and know that with the right ones added, we can be better again.”
Losing McLean to Norwich is a hammer blow, g iven the player’s form, but McInnes is confident he can be replaced.
He said: “It’s tough. Our first port of call is the out-of-contract list but there’s not an out- ofcontract player that we can get to replace Kenny.
“We have to start again. We had to replace boys last summer but it hasn’t quite been like-for-like.
“We have to work to get a tune out of them and keep us competitive. The only way you can do it like- for- l ike is through the loan system.
“James Maddison wa s o n e , for example, who was on wages way above what we could do. But Norwich saw sense in putting him to us.
“We’ve done that type of thing with Michael Hector and Danny Ward. That loan market can help you bridge the quality gap.
“Certainly, we couldn’t commit to signing someone of McLean’s quality based on what we pay. The challenge is there for us, that’s my job.
“We’ll try to do it as best we can by using what we’ve got, which isn’t fortunes.
“We’ll rinse out everything we’ve got to bring in quality. “We’ve missed a controlling midfielder this year. Ryan Jack did it for me for four years and we haven’t had someone to knit it all together for us. We’re exciting to watch at times but still too open when the game isn’t going our way.
“That controlling midfielder can be instrumental in that.”
McInnes knows that whatever business he does he’ll still have his doubters – but that only feeds his hunger.
He said: “There will be a perception that we’ll get swept aside next term. When Rangers first came up it was indicated that they’d be way ahead of us.
“Rangers should be miles ahead of Aberdeen, Hearts and Hibs. But this season, ourselves and Hibs have been competitive.
“Myself and Neil Lennon are fully committed to our clubs so our teams are fully committed on the park. We’re not per fe c t by any stretch. But we’re trying to compete with clubs that are miles ahead of us financially.
“We w e r e expected to be pushed to the side this season – but we haven’t been. It’s getting more difficult but it’s a challenge we’re willing to take on.” McInnes’ one regret about this campaign is that his side haven’t delivered enough special moments for the supporters.
Defeats to the Old Firm and cup upsets have over-shadowed another good league season.
But he could make it up to the fans today if they can take something off champions Celtic and secure second place.
He said: “Sometimes your season gets defined by what you do in cups or against Rangers and Celtic. That’s the way it is at Aberdeen at times.
“I’ve been here long enough to know how important it is to lay a glove on the Glasgow sides.
“This year we’ve not had enough big moments. Maybe winning on Sunday would wipe that out.”