The Courier & Advertiser (Fife Edition)
McInnes conscious of bigger picture
ABERDEEN: Boss reflects on changed days for managers
Aberdeen manager Derek McInnes says the plight of Sunderland has underlined his stance that he won’t rush into any decision to leave Pittodrie.
McInnes remains favourite to take over at Rangers but confirmed yesterday he has not been approached by the Ibrox side to replace Pedro Caixinha, who was sacked last week.
McInnes, 46, declined the chance to succeed David Moyes at Sunderland in the summer – and it proved a shrewd decision.
The man who took on the job, former Preston manager Simon Grayson, was sacked by the Black Cats this week after just 18 games in charge.
McInnes said: “It was sad to see the news about Simon, it doesn’t give any satisfaction seeing that because Simon is a good manager.
“He proved that before he went there and I’m sure he will prove that again elsewhere.
“It just shows you the difficulties managers have.
“Managers are not blameless for results, of course, but when things are as poor as that then it’s an indication that it’s more than the manager.”
McInnes believes Scottish managers are under increasing levels of pressure to be successful – an opinion backed up by the fact there have already been 13 managerial changes at the SPFL’s 42 clubs since the start of the season.
The Aberdeen manager said: “My worry is that in Scotland we are in a bit of danger of becoming like it is down south.
“We’ve seen a third of the managers in the Premiership sacked before November and there have been a lot of casualties in the Championship and elsewhere, too.
“Normally when you work in a stable environment you usually get more opportunity to overcome a poor period,” he said.
“But these days there seem to be more knee-jerk reactions.
“It’s the modern way because you can quickly get a groundswell against a manager.
“The whole thing has completely changed. It’s totally different being a manager now compared to 10 or 15 years ago.
“Sometimes it’s down to who the owner is and their background.
“If you have a steady hand, someone who has been involved for a long time and knows the responsibilities involved, then you have a better chance – someone like our chairman here, who knows that results can fluctuate.
“But you have others who always think there is someone better round the corner, someone to do a better job,” he said.