McGhee - I won't walk away

Dons boss defends record since taking charge at Pittodrie

Last updated: 18th March 2010   Subscribe to RSS Feed

McGhee - I won't walk away

McGhee: Standing firm

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Mark McGhee insists he has no intention of quitting as manager of Aberdeen and feels it would be 'grossly unfair' if he was sacked.

A 1-0 defeat at St Johnstone on Tuesday night ensured Aberdeen have gone 10 games without a win in all competitions and left McGhee's side in eighth place in the SPL table.

Since taking charge at Pittodrie last summer, McGhee has won just eight of his 34 matches at the helm and has also suffered defeats by lower league opposition in both domestic cup competitions.

However, McGhee does not fear for his job and believes he is fulfilling the expectations he was given upon his appointment.

Determined

"It would be grossly unfair if my position was in any danger," said McGhee. "The circumstances which have put us on course to finishing outside the top six have been mostly outside my control.

"My brief when I arrived was to stack the squad with young players and bring about change over a prolonged period. That includes bringing in new players and changing the mentality of some of those already here.

"The directors know what was said and what is going on behind the scenes in an effort to make sure things are a lot better next season.

"I can't legislate for the possibility of the directors now deciding that what has happened since then is unacceptable. I can only be honest and say I feel I've done what has been asked and believe what I am doing will bring benefits in the long term.

"There is no chance of me walking away, though. I still don't believe I have become a bad manager. If anything, it has made me even more determined to gain success with Aberdeen.

"But I will prove that the people who showed faith in my ability to be a successful Aberdeen manager were right. And I will prove to those who are criticising me - claiming I am not up to the job - are wrong."