Aberdeen manager Derek McInnes destined for Premier League, says Dons chairman
Tuesday 12 December 2017 10:48, UK
Stewart Milne fears it may be third time unlucky for Aberdeen if an English Premier League club came calling for Derek McInnes.
The Dons manager has rejected approaches from Sunderland and Rangers in the past eight months and chairman Milne believes McInnes has the qualities to go on and manage at the highest level in England.
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McInnes is contracted at Pittodrie until 2020 and Milne hopes their strong working relationship can yield more progress on and off the pitch, with plans for a new stadium and training ground at a critical stage.
Milne told Sky Sports News: "Of course, we will try and scare off any club that comes in for him in the future but we have got to be realistic.
"What is the best situation - a man who's delivering success and potentially becomes a target for others, or a manager who's struggling and were just moving along and nobody is interested?
"I think we'd rather face up to the first scenario.
"If Derek can help us deliver our goals both on and off the pitch in the next few years then that puts him in a very strong position to move on to the next stage of his career.
"I think we've got to recognise the size of club we are and where we are in the chain. There are clubs bigger than us in Scotland and in England.
"I think without any doubt he is capable of getting there (Premier League) one day, and that's one of his aspirations, he's an ambitious guy, he's hungry to learn.
"But at the same time he accepts it's a big step from Aberdeen to a top Premier League club in England but if he stays here for another two or three years then I think he will be well on his way to making that step."
The club's long-standing plans for a new stadium and training ground have been repeatedly delayed by planning objections but Milne is optimistic of some good news in the new year.
He said: "The next step is that there is a date for a pre-determination hearing on 17 January and the plan is it will go before the full council on the 30th or 31st of January.
"Derek and Tony (Docherty) are working with one hand tied behind their back. Our training facilities fall way behind most Premiership clubs.
"Our No 1 priority is to get that started on the proposed site and have it ready for occupation in the summer of 2019."
