Aberdeen boss Derek McInnes does not want more speculation about his own future after being linked with the vacant managerial position at West Brom.
McInnes played for the Baggies between 2000 and 2003 and with Alan Pardew’s departure on Monday, the Dons manager has seen his name on bookmakers’ shortlists for the role.
However, after knocking back overtures from Sunderland and Rangers already in the last 12 months, he is not interested in having to answer further questions about whether he will remain at Pittodrie.
McInnes said: “I’ve had enough of this over my time here, over being linked, and it’s an easy link to make and assume. It’s only a rumour and I’m not going to spend the next six or seven weeks of the season talking about speculation. My job is here at Aberdeen and we’ve got a lot to look forward to.”
His former team-mate Darren Moore is in temporary charge at the Hawthorns and another ex-colleague Michael Appleton is a strong favourite for the job.
McInnes remains focused on steering Aberdeen to another second place and European qualification, ahead of an intensified challenge for the runners-up spot in the top flight. A 2-0 win at Fir Park last night against Motherwell, which came thanks to second-half goals from Kari Arnason and Kenny McLean, pushed them into second spot ahead of Rangers ahead of their final pre-split encounter against Hearts on Saturday.
He said: “Hibs are doing brilliant under Neil and you would expect Rangers, with what they’ve spent, they should be the team closest to Celtic, rather than ourselves and Hibs. But all three teams will look, going into this end of the season, will be doing all they can to finish second. It’s important for us to finish in European spots and we’re proud to have finished second the last few seasons.
“Some people say it’s easy – if it’s that easy, why has no-one else done it? People said with Rangers coming back up last season we would get pushed aside but that wasn’t the case. We’re determined to fight tooth and nail to be the next best team if Celtic win it.
“We are confident in ourselves. Regardless of what’s happened up until now, people remember how you finish the season rather than how you start it. We are where we normally are at this stage of the season. We’ve usually secured Europe and second spot by now but it’s clear to see it’s going to be a real challenge.”
Saturday’s trip to Tynecastle is their final game before the Scottish Cup semi-final against last night’s opponents ‘Well, which takes place at Hampden Park a week on Saturday.