The Courier & Advertiser (Fife Edition)
McInnes not ready to leave Dons
Aberdeen boss Derek McInnes admits he is interested in becoming Scotland manager – just not yet.
Hampden chiefs are starting their search for Gordon Strachan’s replacement again after failing to lure Northern Ireland boss Michael O’Neill.
McInnes has been quoted among the leading contenders by bookmakers following the impressive job he has done at Pittodrie.
But while the Dons boss, who has knocked back offers from Sunderland and Rangers in recent months, says he would one day like to take on the national team, he insists he is happy to stay put for now.
“You all know how happy I am at Aberdeen,” he said.
“There are certain jobs you would like to do in the future and Scotland would be one of those.
“But for now, whether I’m a candidate or not in certain people’s thinking, the job in hand at Aberdeen is what is important.”
O’Neill’s rejection of the SFA has sparked fierce criticism of Hampden chief executive Stewart Regan’s handling of the recruitment process.
Scotland have been without a manager since Strachan was axed back in mid-October and the SFA delegation will now travel to Lausanne for today’s Uefa Nations League draw without a boss in place.
But McInnes does not believe the failure to persuade the former Hibs and Dundee United winger to return to working in Scotland is the disaster it is being made out to be in some quarters.
“I don’t think you’re ever totally surprised by things in football,” he said. “I’m disappointed that it’s been quite prolonged. You can see why the SFA were attracted to Michael.
“But I don’t think it’s the be all and end all. There’s other good managers out there and I’m sure the SFA will be working hard to find one.
“I don’t think they should be criticised for trying to get their man and not getting him.
“There’s no doubting he would have been a good candidate for the job.”
Motherwell boss Stephen Robinson has previously worked with O’Neill and Northern Ireland and is glad to see him stick with his homeland.
“As a Northern Ireland fan I am absolutely delighted,” he said. “It was a massive opportunity to manage Scotland but he has done such a good job and he holds the key to the building at the Irish FA, he runs the place and in his mind he probably thinks there is unfinished business there.”