Aberdeen manager Derek McInnes believes there is much still to achieve at Pittodrie after turning down the opportunity to manage Championship side Sunderland.
The 45-year-old, who has guided the Dons to League Cup success in 2014 and three successive runners-up finishes since replacing Craig Brown in 2013, was poised to be named as David Moyes’ successor at the Stadium of Light a fortnight ago.
The Dons granted Black Cats directors permission to speak to McInnes and his assistant Tony Docherty but, after much consideration, the pair decided to remain at Pittodrie as the English club is in the process of being sold by American owner Ellis Short.
McInnes, the former Bristol City manager, would have tripled his wages by moving back south, but was understandably wary of going to a club beset by financial difficulties and expected to be taken over by a group of German investors next week.
McInnes said it was the thought of leaving the job he enjoys so much that ultimately swayed his decision.
He said: “We had lots to think about. There were decisions to be made and lots to consider.
“What is clear is I have always felt there is work to be done here. I love the club and I love working here.
“We have been given assurances we can reshape the squad and I think reshaping the squad is no bad thing. Losing key players doesn’t need to have a huge impact on us.
“Losing players is something we have not been used to as we have managed to keep the majority of the team together and that consistency has helped us.
“Hopefully we can add to the good players we have got and it will seem quite seamless and hopefully Tony and myself staying adds to that.
“I still feel we have lots to do here. I am really ambitious and keen to push myself and test myself.
“Some opportunities might come around in the future, the same as it is for players. But the opportunity to keep working here was the biggest factor.”
While McInnes remains, several key players have departed Pittodrie.
Six members of the Scottish Cup final squad beaten 2-1 by Celtic – Jonny Hayes, Niall McGinn, Ryan Jack, Ash Taylor, Peter Pawlett and back-up goalkeeper Neil Alexander – are gone. The biggest loss is Hayes, sold for £1.3million to champions Celtic with Ryan Christie heading in the opposite direction and returning to the Dons on loan.
McInnes was disappointed the Irishman left, but felt he could not stand in the way of allowing Hayes the opportunity to join Hoops manager Brendan Rodgers, with who he played under as a youth player at Reading.
McInnes said: “It was a blow but for me it was expected. I had an understanding with Jonny after we knocked back Cardiff’s bids in January that we wouldn’t stand in his way as long as he knuckled down and helped us secure second and try to win the Scottish Cup.
“Jonny was a credit to himself with his performances and his attitude from then on in.
“There were a few clubs interested, but Celtic were the clear favourites in Jonny’s eyes and where he wanted to go and work with a manager he knew from before.
“It is always disappointing to lose your best players. Jonny was certainly that for us and I can understand any frustrations from the supporters.
“With Jonny, there is a real recognition of what he did and how he left the club. His performance in the cup final mirrored his performance over the last few seasons for us.
“He will be missed and we wish him well but he will be fondly remembered and well received when he comes back here at any time whether to watch the team or play against us.”
McInnes was pleased to get Christie back to Pittodrie for another 12 months, but admitted he would have preferred to have got the player on a permanent basis.
He said: “We put in a couple of very strong offers and offers we thought would be accepted, but Celtic said he wasn’t for sale.
“We were keen to get Ryan on a permanent for loads of reasons. I wanted him to be an Aberdeen player and we didn’t want him to have any restrictions in terms of a loan agreement for playing against Celtic.
“Celtic made it clear Ryan still had a future with them.
“They recognised his loan here was good for them and Ryan and it certainly was for us.
“If he can replicate the form he has shown and maybe give us a bit more then he will be a fantastic signing.
“He is a brilliant lad and a pleasure to work with.”
