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Milne happiest man in the world after McInnes turns down Rangers

Aberdeen Chairman Stewart Milne and Derek McInnes
Aberdeen Chairman Stewart Milne and Derek McInnes

Aberdeen chairman Stewart Milne described himself as the happiest man in the world after Dons manager Derek McInnes rejected the chance to join Rangers.

The 46-year-old had been heavily linked with a move to the Ibrox club for the past six weeks since the sacking of Pedro Caixinha on October 26.

McInnes emerged as the preferred candidate for the Light Blues this week when they made an approach to speak to the former Bristol City and St Johnstone manager on Tuesday, which was swiftly rejected by the Dons.

However, McInnes’ future at Pittodrie looked uncertain after he and his assistant Tony Docherty were absent from two training sessions and yesterday’s scheduled pre-match press conference ahead of tonight’s meeting with Dundee, prompting suggestions he could tender his resignation to force a move.

But, in a dramatic twist, Aberdeen confirmed last night that McInnes, who is under contract until 2020, would be remaining with the Dons – much to the delight of chairman Milne.

Milne said: “I spoke with Derek who felt it was a major thing to be considered for the managerial position at a club such as Rangers and we agreed that he could have some time to think about the approach and talk it through with his family. Over the past 48 hours, I have been in constant dialogue with Derek and, having weighed up the opportunity, he has taken the decision to remain as Aberdeen FC manager.

“Derek appreciates all that he has at this club and feels he wants to keep driving the club forward.

“This is where he wants to be and he feels he very much has unfinished business with Aberdeen FC.

“I personally am delighted that Derek has decided to remain with the club and everyone looks forward to putting the speculation of the past few weeks behind us and concentrating on matters on the park starting at Dens Park.”

The Dons manager was also keen to draw a line under the matter and turn his full attention to returning to winning ways against Dundee at Dens Park tonight following successive defeats by Rangers.

He said: “I’ve had a lot to consider over the last couple of days and I appreciate it’s been a testing time for everyone, including my family, and I’m pleased to be now totally focusing purely on on-the-field matters.”

McInnes succeeded Craig Brown at Pittodrie in March 2013 and guided the club to League Cup success a year later, ending the club’s 19-year wait for silverware.

The Dons have finished runners-up for the past three seasons and reached both cup finals last term, losing on both occasions to treble-winning Celtic.

Dons focus, Pages 53-55