McInnes: I always knew Cormack could take us to next level

DEREK McInnes says he knew from the minute he met Dave Cormack that the incoming Aberdeen chairman was determined to take the Dons to a new level.

The millionaire businessman will take over at Pittodrie from Stewart Milne next month and has already declared his ambition to close the gap with the Old Firm.

Cormack joined the’ board in the summer of 2017 and since then has played a pivotal role in delivering the club’s new training base.

His takeover, meanwhile, is now set to deliver a new tie-up with MLS outfit Atlanta United as well as providing £5m in fresh investment. But that is no surprise to McInnes.

He said: “I remember the first time I spoke with Dave, we had just lost the Scottish Cup final in 2017. Stewart had asked me to have a chat with him. Dave was looking to come on board.

“There was a bit of interest from Sunderland and the chairman wanted me to speak to Dave.

“From minute one of that conversation Dave has only shown the ambition and desire to make Aberdeen bigger and better.

“I’ve worked closely with him for the last two and half years. He’s part of the board that discusses transfers and recruitment. He’s allowed and helped me to bring in players.”

Jim Goodwin, meanwhile, is desperate to end St Mirren’s poor record in Aberdeen when his side travel to Pittodrie tomorrow.

The Paisley side beat the Dons 1-0 at home in the second Ladbrokes Premiership game of the season but their last victory at Pittodrie was in May 2011. And former club captain Goodwin is hoping to make it 13th time lucky after a run of 12 matches at Pittodrie without victory.

“I was actually part of that team that won up there,” he said. “It’s always a difficult venue to go to because Aberdeen are a right good team, but we just have to be as positive and have that belief.”