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Darren Mackie tells Aberdeen fans to be patient with under-fire boss Derek McInnes

Aberdeen manager Derek McInnes.
Aberdeen manager Derek McInnes.

Former Aberdeen striker Darren Mackie believes the club’s fans will be rewarded if they show patience in Derek McInnes and his squad.

The Dons boss, pictured, bore the brunt of the fans’ ire following Sunday’s goalless draw at St Mirren as Aberdeen missed their chance to close the gap on Motherwell in the Premiership.

Having lost to the Steelmen at Pittodrie a week ago to slip four points behind them it has been a frustrating start to 2020 for Aberdeen but Mackie has backed his old club to come through their tough spell.

He said: “I understand why fans are frustrated but the manager doesn’t deserve that flak.

“It is clear they have got the ability in the squad and I’m sure it will all click into gear again. That’s why it’s far too early to be calling for the manager to go. He’s done a terrific job in his time at the club and has more than earned the time to put it right.”

Mackie knows it has been a stuttering start to the second half of the campaign but he believes McInnes has recruited well in the January window with the capture of Dylan McGeouch from Sunderland and Matty Kennedy from St Johnstone.

He said: “Derek has signed two quality players this month but integrating new faces can be unsettling initially.

Former Dons player Darren Mackie

“The team are playing OK without creating anything. They’ve had the majority of the ball in the three games they’ve played since coming back from the break but they are struggling to put it all together so far.

“Players are getting used to each other and it takes time. In Kennedy’s case he only arrived Friday, trained Saturday then played on Sunday. It may not seem like it but it is a big adjustment.

“I’m sure the guys will have helped integrate him into the club but you don’t sign one day and find yourself on the same wavelength as a whole new team in a matter of hours.”

The Dons go from being strong favourites to underdogs this weekend when they travel to Glasgow to face Rangers at Ibrox.

The change in circumstance is a tag Mackie hopes can bring out the best in his former club.

He added: “It will click at some point and why not this weekend? Aberdeen are going there where Rangers are expected to win and that will take the pressure off to an extent. The pressure of not being favourites may suit the team better.”