I had to be judge and jury after taking Dons job, says McInnes
THRUST into a job in the middle of the season with new surroundings and a squad he had to try to mould into his style of play, Ian Cathro’s appointment as Hearts head coach in December bears a resemblance to Derek McInnes joining Aberdeen in 2013.
McInnes took over a labouring Dons squad with five games remaining in the 2012-13 season.
Admittedly, Cathro inherited a Hearts team second in the league table but his predecessor, Robbie Neilson, was performing minor miracles with the squad he had at his disposal.
McInnes has got things right at Pittodrie over four years and a win today at Tynecastle would all but secure second place for a third consecutive season.
Aberdeen’s success has been built on a solid foundation, which McInnes started developing on day one. ‘When there is a managerial change during the season it’s always more difficult,’ said the Dons boss.
‘We were in the bottom six at that time and the games were meaningless. All I did was look at the players and the staff and judge.
‘I had a short time to do that and Ian probably also had to deal with it going into the January window.
‘There were a lot of changes made at Hearts and he obviously felt they were needed. I think any time you see a club making a lot of changes in January, it’s probably an indication that they haven’t been too pleased with what they did in the summer.
‘Ideally, you want most of your work done in the summer. In January, it’s one or two little improvements that can nudge you towards where you want to be.
‘When there is a change of manager, it can complicate that even more. I think Ian will be keen to get to the end of the season.’
McInnes will soon have some restructuring to do.
Peter Pawlett is leaving in the summer, Niall McGinn has signalled his intention to depart, Ryan Jack has been linked with moves to MLS club Columbus Crew and Rangers, while Ash Taylor has yet to sign a new deal.
‘It’s naïve to think you will be able to keep all of your good players,’ added McInnes. ‘Adjustments will have to be made. I have good players at the club and it’s important they see more good players joining us.
‘That puts everybody under scrutiny, including the board and myself.’