Fans may regret Del departure
Lee Mair hopes Aberdeen don’t live to regret parting company with gaffer Derek McInnes.
The former Dons defender insists the board have a massive decision to make over his replacement.
Mair made 42 appearances for his boyhood heroes and knows the Red Army have lofty ambitions to win trophies and split the Old Firm.
But he believes the risk is that fans will only fully appreciate McInnes in the months ahead as the club try to improve under a new boss.
Mair said: “I can see why Aberdeen have made the decision because the fans weren’t happy.
“But you’ve got to look at the bigger picture and what McInnes has achieved. He stabilised the club and they now sit in third place every season.
“Aberdeen fans always aspire for more and they want someone to take the club to the next level.
“But if the board get this wrong and they slip down the league, the punters won’t be happy. It’s a big call and they need to make the right appointment. If you had told the fans what Del would achieve when he was appointed, everyone would have taken it. “Previously there were a few tough years where even reaching the top six was a big push.
“It’s a compliment to Derek that he has raised the expectation levels of the fans. They’re not happy finishing third. “The new gaffer must take Dons to the next level, challenging Rangers and Celtic for the title, because McInnes did everything except that.
“If they don’t, the board will be under pressure. But hundreds will apply as it’s such a lucrative position.”
Mair works as a commentator for RedTV. He played with McInnes at Dundee United and admired his ability to thrive under pressure. He has backed his old pal to bounce back from adversity quickly. Mair said: “Knowing Del, he won’t want to sit around too long.
“He’ll want another opportunity to get back in about it because he’s been involved with football daily for over 30 years. “McInnes thrives under that day-to-day pressure and I know for a fact that him and Tony Docherty will want to find a new challenge.”