Dons set to go backwards unless Mcinnes ‘shakes up team’ says ex-striker

Charlie Nicholas has told Aberdeen manager Derek Mcinnes to act now if he does not want to see the Dons’ recent progress go to waste.

Mcinnes’s efforts since taking over four years ago have helped re-establish the Pittodrie outfit as serious contenders. But former Dons striker Nicholas is worried his old side have gone backwards this term. Rangers have returned to the top-flight and currently lead Aberdeen by two points in second, albeit having played a game more.

However, Nicholas – who struck 36 goals during a two-year stint at Pittodrie – believes they could slip further behind if Mcinnes, right, cannot secure better back-up for Adam Rooney, Niall Mcginn and Jonny Hayes.

“I like when managers are feisty and Derek’s that type,” said the 55-year-old before joking: “I’ve never had a confrontation with him – and I’m not looking for one. But I like his feistiness and I think it’s good for Aberdeen.

“However, he has to shake this team up. It had a chance two years ago to beat Celtic and had another chance last year. I’m not saying they bottled it but the team showed a weakness. I’ve heard him say this is the time for Aberdeen to step forward. Well, only if they get second will they get any credibility. And is there even much credibility in that?

“If they finish third, then Aberdeen will be on their heels again, worrying about Rangers. It worried me before the League Cup final this season when Derek said if they finished second and got to a final, that would be a good season. I’m sorry, but it’s not.

“I don’t care who you are and what your budget is, you have to be ambitious.

“There is good players there. But when Aberdeen were putting Celtic out of the Scottish Cup a couple of seasons ago, then beating them at Pittodrie, who was playing? It was Rooney, Mcginn and Hayes.

“He’s changed it this season though. Yes, change it if you’re making the team better but guys like Jayden Stockley aren’t better than what was already there.”

Mcinnes could even struggle to hold on to his main attacking triumvirate, with Cardiff reportedly set to launch a £500,000 swoop for Hayes, while Mcginn is being courted by Hearts ahead of a proposed Bosman move this summer.

But Nicholas urged his old side to redouble their efforts if they want to hold on to the duo.

“I see Cardiff are in for Hayes,” he said. “But £500,000 would be ridiculous for a guy like him. I also read that Mcginn could potentially walk out of the door to Hearts. Come on, Aberdeen are better than that.”