Evening Telegraph (First Edition)
McInnes stands by decision to remain at Dons
IT was a line in the sand moment: after weeks of speculation and a heavily-publicised pursuit, Derek McInnes decided he would not be joining Rangers and would remain Aberdeen manager.
McInnes, speaking from Aberdeen’s training base in Dubai, insists he has no regrets over turning down the chance to return to Ibrox where he spent five years as a player.
Rangers finally made their approach to speak to McInnes on December 5 but the former St Johnstone boss decided to stay with the Dons the day before their away trip to Dens Park.
He said: “I felt as though it was just good to get back to concentrating on a game and back to the work.”
Re-emerging for training on the Friday morning ahead of the game brought a semblance of normality after a hectic, testing few weeks.
McInnes said: “When the players came in on the Friday morning it was good to see them and to get in about them because we are really close.
“Myself and the players, I feel we have a strong bond. One or two of them were really pleased we stayed and maybe one or two were not so pleased. No, only joking!
“I think you manifest things and you create an environment where you are happy.
“Everyone has a part to play in that. It has been a good period.”
He also defended his team against accusations that they do not perform in enough big games.
“We beat Rangers twice last year, up until last season we had beaten Celtic at some point in every season.
“We have won two semi-finals last year – I’d say they were big games when Aberdeen used to be criticised for not dealing with semi-finals.”