Del:Summer rebuildismy toughesttask yetatDons
DEREK McINNES reckons he is facing the biggest rebuilding job of his time at Aberdeen.
The Dons will finish the season without a trophy and are still fighting to secure Europa League football for next season.
Aberdeen have been second- place regulars under McInnes but this season they could slip below that with Celtic, Rangers and Kilmarnock all above them.
McInnes will look to reshape his squad this summer and will have plenty of scope with skipper Graeme Shinnie, Gary Mackay-Steven, Greg Halford, Tomas Cerny and Andrew Considine all out of contract.
And the likes of Greg Stewart, James Wilson, Tommie Hoban, Max Lowe and Dominic Ball are all likely to depart at the end of their loan spells – with Mark Reynolds committed to Dundee United.
McInnes said: “There’s loads of changes needed. There’s lots of work to be done. If you look at it the potential out-of-contract players, the loans, there are players leaving.
“It will be the biggest summer yet. We’ll need the support from the board to go and rebuild.
“I know where we operate, I know that we genuinely have to try and look at the loans and free agents.
“Money’s tight. We’ve got a training ground to build, a stadium to build. It’s difficult to replace the quality we’re potentially going to be losing.”
Shinnie looks destined for Derby while Stewart is likely to end up at Rangers, although the Dons have moved to of fer open extension talks with Considine and Ball.
McInnes said: “I ’ ve spoken to Frank Lampard a couple of times over the last couple of weeks but Shinnie still has a decision to make and we’re no further forward.”
Aberdeen head to Rugby Park this weekend with Killie boss Steve Clarke installed as one of the early favourites to become the next Scotland manager.
McInnes said: “Steve’s done a brilliant job. It’s testament to the work there and it’s no surprise he’s linked to potential jobs in the future. “
Del refused to comment on being another potential candidate but expressed sympathy for McLeish.
He said: “I’ve known Alex personally and the way it’s all played out has been really unfair on him.
“He’s been a fierce supporter of his country in both his roles. He’s put everything into it.”