JOB SATISFACTION
Derek Mcinnes has revealed he rejected Sunderland’s advances because he believes Aberdeen can continue their upward curve next season.
Despite Celtic having bought one of his best players, the Pittodrie manager is confident Aberdeen can be every bit as strong, if not stronger, in the months ahead after finishing runnersup to Brendan Rodgers’ side in every competition last season.
While Mcinnes admitted Sunderland were an attractive proposition, there were, he insisted, too many factors keeping him attached to Aberdeen.
Mcinnes was riled last season by Rangers manager Pedro Caixinha’s contention that the Pittodrie side were coming to “the end of a cycle”. Judging from his comments yesterday, Mcinnes believes it’s only the beginning for Aberdeen, who signed former Dundee forward Greg Stewart on a season-long loan from Birmingham City yesterday.
But he admitted he did have his head turned by Sunderland, whose chief executive Martin Bain quickly installed Mcinnes as the club’s No 1 target to replace David Moyes. The position remains unoccupied.
“Things have come up in the past which you quickly move on from but Sunderland, the size of the club and the potential there, was always something you’d want to look at closely,” explained Mcinnes.
“Once the clubs met the valuation I was keen to ascertain a few things and get a handle on it.
“There were loads of attractions about the club but weighing everything up I decided Aberdeen is where I wanted to be.”
Mcinnes was speaking for the first time to reporters yesterday about rejecting Sunderland’s advances and since the departure of Jonny Hayes to Celtic. Many felt Mcinnes was bound to choose to go to Sunderland
“I have always said it would be a huge wrench to leave this club, there is a lot to be said for being happy at your work”
DEREK MCINNES the end the decision was I wanted to stay with Aberdeen.
“I have always said it would be a huge wrench to leave this club, there is a lot to be said for being happy at your work,” Mcinnes added.
“You weigh up everything, the targets we have set and the players we are trying to get in. And there are also commitments you have made to the players already here.
“Above all, I believe we can be as strong again this coming season as we’ve been the last few years.
“I can feel the motivation and determination from the squad, with new players coming on and more to follow then we’re optimistic.”