Derek McInnes needs to be given a chance

Is Derek McInnes the man to fix Aberdeen?

The former Scotland internationalist has been be installed as manager of the Dons in the aftermath of the announcement that Craig Brown and Archie Knox were to retire at the end of the season.

For me it is an interesting question for a couple of reasons.

You look at the Dons in recent years and you have to say they have underachieved.

After all, they operate on one of the highest wage bills and have the advantage of not having any other local competition for spectators.

In the past when the far wealthier Old Firm were dominating proceedings, that is a situation which has just rolled along.

Now though, we’re dealing with an entirely different scenario.

Rangers are in the lower leagues and Celtic, while still strong, have Europe as their top priority.

It is a backdrop which offers tremendous opportunities for the country’s other clubs.

And a few of them haven’t been slow to take it.

Consider the case of the last three domestic cups.

They have been won by St Mirren, Hearts and Kilmarnock.

Each brought great joy to their respective supports and were appreciated by the wider audience.

What they have also done, though, is reminded Aberdeen’s fans and directors alike what they’re missing.

It is a point rammed home by the League success of Ross County and Inverness Caledonian Thistle.

The Highland clubs have performed wonders this season.

The fact they have each done so on the tightest of budgets will not have been missed in the Pittodrie Boardroom.

Craig Brown made reference to the injury problems he’s had.

With Andrew Considine out with a broken leg, it is hard to argue.

The loss of Ryan Fraser to League One Bournemouth was also a blow.

I think the bigger question is in which direction do the Board want to take the club?

For me they should be looking to ape the canny approach displayed by Terry Butcher and Derek Adams at ICT and County respectively.

Terry seems to be able conjure quality players out of thin air. Derek has built a side with great team spirit.

But is McInnes the man for the job?

I believe so. He had a good record at St Johnstone who were good to watch under his charge.

Things didn’t go so well at Bristol City, it has to be said.

He kept the club clear of relegation in his first season but the following term was poor.

That would not put me off. He is a man who has always impressed me as a thoughtful and knowledgeable football man.

I makes sense to appoint him now and give him the summer to unearth the gems he will need.

To the fans unhappy at the prospect of getting a former Rangers player as manager I would point out that has worked out not too badly in the past.

Maybe not with Craig Brown but certainly under the charge of one Sir Alex Ferguson!