McInnes quite happy to play waiting game

Dons boss won’t rush into making signings as he seeks to bolster his defence

Aberdeen manager Derek McInnes hopes patience will pay off in the transfer market this summer.

The Dons boss has made three signings so far in midfielders Stephen Gleeson, Chris Forrester and Lewis Ferguson, and has switched his focus to strengthening his defence following the departure of Anthony O’Connor, Kari Arnason and Dominic Ball.

McInnes would like to have his squad in place before the Europa League second qualifying round first-leg tie against Burnley at Pittodrie on July 26 but is content to be patient in his pursuit of reinforcements.

The Dons boss, who is in Ireland with the squad for pre-season training ahead of Saturday’s first friendly against Cobh Ramblers, said: “In an ideal world we’ll have a couple more signings in before the Burnley game and hopefully that will be the case.

“I like getting my work done early and we made inroads in the three signings we’ve made at the end of last season.

“There are other players who we were well down the line with which we didn’t get and we understand that as we can’t get everyone we want.

“There are benefits of getting work done early but there are also benefits of holding your nerve and perhaps getting some other players.”

McInnes knows avoiding the early start domestic rivals Rangers and Hibernian have of playing in the first qualifying round on July 12 has given him more leeway, but he is still keen to get the majority of his business finalised by the end of next month.

He said: “By finishing second and having a later tie we can make better decisions and be more patient, but I’d still rather have my team in place now.

“However, if it takes longer to get the right ones then so be it.

“The World Cup affects us in that clubs in England will start back later and the clubs keep their fringe players and younger players around for pre-season as their first team players are away.

“But I’m pleased with the ones we have brought in.

“We have concentrated on midfield and I’m delighted to get Stephen, Chris and young Lewis in.

“They are three boys who are at different stages and have different qualities, but all have the same intention of coming here and making progress in their own careers and helping us at the same time.

“I am delighted with that level of signing.”

Picture: Newsline Media. Aberdeen boss Derek McInnes has taken his team to Ireland for pre-season training.