McInnes sets sights on double standards
Reds boss has added flair to his winning mentality at Pittodrie
McINNES believes he has taken a more rounded player back to the club and the Irishman’s attitude and application are examples to follow.
Off the pitch he has agreed to defer his wages for the year just to play for the Dons, which shows his commitment.
On the park his willingness to do the dirty work on top of providing quality makes him the complete package.
Hayes has gained the experience of needing to win every week at Celtic and, although he didn’t get the contract he craved at Parkhead, Aberdeen are set to reap the benefit of his return
to the Granite City.
DEREK McINNES sets high standards for Aberdeen.
It says much for the Dons manager’s attitude that he has openly admitted his team did not reach the required standards at various stages of last season.
McInnes had to contend with a crippling injury list and got the team into Europe yet again – as well as the still to be played semifinals of the Scottish Cup – but it wasn’t deemed enough in his eyes.
Fourth behind Motherwell is not what McInnes wanted but there is a very strong argument to suggest that had the final eight fixtures been completed as opposed to postponed due to the Covid-19 pandemic, Aberdeen would have climbed above the Steelmen and slotted into the position as nearest challengers to the Old Firm.
That is up for debate but what is not is McInnes’ hunger.
Yet, on closer inspection, signings such as Craig Bryson, Dylan McGeouch and Jonny Hayes do not scream of a manager who wishes to constantly stifle a game. McInnes, below, knows it’s about winning. He has bred a consistency into Aberdeen that the club could only have dreamed of in some of the years prior to his arrival, with Hampden trips now a regular occurrence. He had to deal with a horror crock list last term. Inspirational defender Scott McKenna missed chunks of the campaign with setbacks. The talented Scott Wright was barely sighted. Bryson was taken into the club and managed only a dozen games, with an ankle issue holding him back. The cultured passing of McGeouch was also stuck in the treatment room for too long. Coronavirus and the financial effects on the game have made for a policy at Aberdeen where wage cuts have been implemented and any new signings
BY CRAIG SWAN will be limited to a one in, one out basis. Greg Leigh has gone from this term’s squad yet there’s no argument Hayes is an upgrade in terms of talent and ability.
McInnes has built a fine squad but injury has struck again this season, with star striker Sam Cosgrove – who usually guarantees 20 goals a season – crocked for the first two months at least.
But Ryan Edmondson’s arrival on loan from Leeds will help, Curtis Main should be fit soon and young Bruce Anderson can step up too.
In midfield, McInnes says himself he’s got all sorts. Lewis Ferguson is an outstanding young talent who can do the lot.
McGeouch can stand off a game and dictate its entire pace with his vision and passing.
Funso Ojo is described by his boss as a proper No.6 who can control affairs, while Bryson gives the ability to get beyond the front players, make darting runs and also has a voice in terms of experience and organisation.
With Dean Campbell a lovely footballer, there is a mix and match in there and the Dons also have one of the league’s best between the sticks in the shape of the outstanding Joe Lewis.
Defence may be key. McKenna has to stay fit with Mikey Devlin having no luck on the injury front.
Strong investment was made in Ronny Hernandez in January and the potential is there for him to step forward at Pittodrie.
The Reds boss wants various aspects to improve within his squad. His determination to make it happen and desire to deliver constant improvements behind the scenes bodes well for the club.
Also, as one of the longestserving managers in the country, the continuity and knowledge he offers the club are going to be crucial within the camp during these abnormal times for Scottish football.
McInnes has constantly delivered Aberdeen into the higher echelons of the Premiership table since he walked through the front door at Pittodrie and has provided regular trips to the National Stadium plus forays into Europe.
The target is to do so again in the coming season and few would bet against it.