If Sunderland had said right things, Derek would be off

IN AN industry when lip service is routinely paid to any notion of loyalty, Derek McInnes’ decision to remain at Aberdeen was widely viewed as a welcome reversal of the trend.

For John Hartson, though, the suggestion that the Dons boss is entirely happy with his lot at Pittodrie only holds so much water.

Asked if Thursday’s bombshell news of the 45-year-old snubbing Sunderland proved McInnes’ heart lay at Aberdeen, the Welshman’s response was straight to the point.

‘No, it doesn’t,’ stated Hartson. ‘If it did, then why did he even speak to Sunderland? Why talk to other clubs if you’re happy? You just say: “I’m content here and I don’t want to speak to anyone”.

‘He’s obviously gone down to Sunderland looking to get the job and then hasn’t been impressed by them. They haven’t matched his ambition or given him what he wanted. Whatever he’s seen, he’s not been pleased by it, so he’s gone back to Aberdeen.

‘Derek’s said that he’s happy to carry on up there but, when I was a player and enjoying my football, I would tell my agent not to bother informing me about any other clubs who were interested in me.

‘And, when I was happy at a club, I also asked my managers not to bother telling me if anyone else came in for me. It was only when I was unhappy and looking for a move that I would ask my agent to find me something else.

‘If things had added up at Sunderland, he wouldn’t have stayed but it’s not gone right for him and he’s not liked what he’s heard.

‘But he’s gone and spoken to them and, to be honest with you, I think he’s very fortunate that he’s been allowed back in at Aberdeen.’

It’s fair to say that’s not a view many in the Granite City will hold. As the first man in a generation to win a trophy for the Dons, McInnes’ stock in the Granite City will only rise on the back of him reaffirming his commitment to the cause.

The unequivocal backing of his paymasters has evidently been a huge factor in him extending his four-year stay. Shorn of five players from last year, recruitment is set to go into overdrive.

In Hartson’s view, filling the boots of Jonny Hayes, in particular will be the most arduous of tasks.

Not only has Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers recruited a player capable of replacing Patrick Roberts. He’s weakened a direct competitor in the process.

‘He has got a goal in him and his performances have been terrific,’ added Hartson.

‘Jonny deserves an opportunity to go and play with the biggest and best team in Scotland. Brendan has noticed that he’s a player whom a lot of clubs down south like.

‘He will have to work to get into the Celtic team like Pat Roberts did at first but when he got in, he was effective and Jonny will bring competition for places.

‘He is a quality player and that is the type of player that you need. If you are going to sign someone at Celtic, they have got to be ready to go into the first team.’

Rodgers is on record as stating that it will be a summer of few incomings. Hayes might well be one of only two or three additions.

The game-changer, of course, would be an unexpected departure or two. Hartson feels that’s entirely plausible.

‘Celtic will sell (Moussa) Dembele if they get £25million,’ he stated.

‘Chris Sutton did an interview with Brendan before the Aberdeen away game last season.

‘Chris said that night Brendan is in charge and they don’t have to sell anyone. That’s great, the fans want to hear that but I feel if they get a massive offer he will go.

‘It’s okay talking about turning it down but when you actually see a bid in black and white and it says £25m, it’s difficult to turn down.

‘If he sells Dembele and they get the right money for him, then they will need to add another striker.

‘They need quality and they’ve got the money. They earned from the Champions League and, if they sell Dembele, then it’s the best part of £50m.

‘I’m not saying give it all to Brendan but in the last few years Celtic have been unable to go £6m for a player who has come out of the Premiership because that’s what they cost now.’

On the other side of Glasgow, the pace of change is much more rapid. Pedro Caixinha has already got five new signings over the line. Graham Dorrans and Jamie Walker could see the total reach 11.

If there’s been an element of necessity about the Portuguese feeding Mark Warburton’s line-up to the shredder, Hartson has a degree of doubt about the wisdom of such swinging changes.

‘It is hard to pick up players for £1m or £500k and think they will make a difference,’ he warned.

‘I know the money is not there but big clubs want big players to make an impact. You would sooner bring in two or three players of real quality.

‘If I was the manager of Rangers I would be asking for £10m and I would bring in three players — one at £4m and two at £3m

‘Listen, Celtic might lose the odd game but, for the next two or three years, you might as well rip it up and give them the title.’