Only regret for King was having to let Caixinho go
DAVE KING has revealed his “personal disappointment” at being forced to sack Pedro Caixinha as Rangers manager after just seven months in charge.
The Portuguese was appointed in March 2017 following the departure of Mark Warburton and the first of Graeme Murty’s two spells in interim control at Ibrox. But Caixinha would preside over a disastrous period as his erratic behaviour with his players and in front of the Press saw supporters quickly lose faith in the left-field appointment.
Caixinha was at the helm for arguably the worst result in Rangers’ history as they lost to Progres Niederkorn in the Europa League and his signing policy proved costly as he lasted just 26 games as manager.
King would ultimately oversee the hiring of Steven Gerrard three years ago and that move has now paid huge dividends as Rangers celebrate their first league title in a decade.
King said: “I’m absolutely of the view that if we hadn’t brought Steven in we wouldn’t have won the league this year. I’ve had a lot of challenges during my time at the club, not a lot of personal disappointment.
“However, it was a real personal disappointment to let Pedro go. I liked him, I liked working with him, he was a thoroughly decent man. I know he had an awkward relationship with the media, perhaps he was a bit naive in some of the things he did. I don’t think he got the whole Glasgow thing. But he was a good man, he did his very, very best. But that led to the ultimate appointment of Steven. When I look back at all of the options available to me at the time, he was the one person I felt could win us the league.”
DEREK McINNES and his assistant Tony Docherty have left Aberdeen “by mutual consent” after eight years at Pittodrie, the club have announced.
The Dons are currently fourth in the Scottish Premiership but supporters have grown weary with the lack of entertaining football on offer, and a recent dismal run of just one goal in their last eight outings appears to have been the straw that broke the camel’s back for Dave Cormack.
“This season has been unprecedented due to a number of factors and I am as frustrated as anyone that results haven’t been of the high standard which we set,” McInnes told afc.co.uk.
“My motivation to deliver success has never wavered and during my eight-year tenure my staff and I have worked hard to elevate expectations and set a minimum standard which should be demanded at a club like Aberdeen FC.
“I would like to thank all the players who have featured in my teams over the years, my current staff and players for their efforts and all the staff behind the scenes for their hard work and endeavour. To the supporters for their continuous backing and, of course, the board for their support during my time at the club.”
The two coaches have left with immediate effect, with Aberdeen on the lookout for his successor. Paul Sheerin will take charge in the interim, assisted by Barry Robson and Neil Simpson.
In a statement on the club’s website, Cormack told supporters: “During his time in charge Derek raised the bar and delivered a level of consistency not seen at the club for many years, qualifying for Europe each season, and delivering a memorable Scottish League Cup win at Celtic Park in season 2013/14 with 43,000 Dons fans in attendance.
“Clearly, results since the turn of the year have been disappointing and frustrating for everyone.
“Derek and I reviewed where we were and agreed that this was the right time for him to step down.
“Derek and Tony leave with our thanks and gratitude for what they have achieved during their tenure. We wish them well for the future.”