We want half of Hampden
McInnes’ ticket demand for final
DEREK McINNES insists it would be a ‘disgrace’ if Aberdeen were to receive anything less than half the tickets available for next month’s Betfred Cup final against Celtic.
The Pittodrie club’s manager believes that is the least their supporters deserve after 44,000 Dons fans packed out Parkhead when they defeated Inverness Caley Thistle on penalties to lift the trophy two years ago.
Aberdeen had the backing of over 12,000 fans for their semi-final win against Morton at Hampden on Saturday despite the early kick-off time and McInnes is certain they would more than double that for their return on November 27.
‘Should we get an even split? 100 per cent,’ he said. ‘I think we will as anything other than that will be a disgrace, to be honest.
‘It would be a slap in the face for us as we took 40,000-plus to Parkhead two years ago. We are already playing Celtic in Glasgow, which is their home city.
‘Our fans get the wrong end of the stick at times by having to go here, there and everywhere. There is no doubt the demand will be there to fill it. I always think that any team outwith the Old Firm should get the opportunity to sell their allocation. We will sell it hands down.
‘I expect us to get parity. In the interests of fairness, it should be split right down the middle.’
Celtic are the only team to have defeated Aberdeen in domestic football this season and the Dons will have their chance for revenge when the teams meet again at Pittodrie on Saturday.
McInnes knows a home win would be a significant statement of intent for both that cup final and Aberdeen’s ambition of mounting a serious challenge to Brendan Rodgers’ side in the league.
However, both teams have tricky away fixtures to fulfil first as the champions travel to Dingwall tomorrow while the Dons are at Hamilton tonight.
‘A lot of supporters will be looking forward to Saturday and a full house here, but it is the same three points on Tuesday,’ said McInnes.
‘If we take our eye off the ball, we will come back up the road with a sore one. We have to make sure that is not the case.
‘Hamilton have had a lot of draws this season and I think they will be frustrated by that. I have played against three different Hamilton managers and whenever you play them, especially at their place, it is always a competitive game.
‘If you are not ready to work as hard as them, you don’t get the desired result.
‘We have a good record against them, but we also had one sore defeat down there and that is a reminder that they can take advantage if we are not right.’
McInnes has a full squad to choose from with the exception of the injured Ash Taylor and his only dilemma is whether or not to change a six-game winning line-up now.
If he does opt to freshen things up, it’s unlikely James Maddison will be one to suffer given the way the teenager has impressed since arriving on loan from Norwich City.
The £3million signing from Coventry City certainly has his team-mates purring in appreciation and, in the case of goalkeeper Joe Lewis, it’s a case of win-win when Maddison does eventually return to Carrow Road.
Lewis is hoping the initial deal that runs to January will be extended, but revealed: ‘I’m a Norwich fan, so it’s great for me to see that the club has such a talented player coming through.
‘James is a top player, everyone can see that. He’s got a fantastic future ahead of him.
‘From an Aberdeen perspective, it’s great to be playing with him and Norwich are doing well this season, so hopefully they let him stay. Can he go on to play for a bigger club than Norwich? I’m the wrong person to be asked that question — there’s nobody bigger! He will be a Premier League player, that’s for sure. Hopefully, it’s with Norwich.
‘You sometimes see people with great ability, but who don’t have the mental capacity to deal with playing in top games. He can handle everything that comes with it. He’s calm and level-headed.
‘You can give him the ball with a man on him, but he’ll turn on a sixpence and be away from him. He’s settled in really well here and has been a fantastic signing.
‘He is a good lad around the dressing room, too. Hopefully, we can keep him until the end of the season because he has been excellent.’