DEREK McInnes yesterday rubberstamped his commitment to Aberdeen by agreeing a deal to remain at Pittodrie until 2020.
The former St Johnstone and Bristol City manager was heavily linked with a switch to Sunderland in June but he opted to remain at the club after a last-minute U-turn.
The deal secures McInnes and his assistant Tony Docherty past their existing 2019 contract, and he emphasised their work at Aberdeen was just beginning.
McInnes said: “We’re delighted to extend our contracts and both Tony and I are looking forward to the season ahead.
“We’ve still a lot to do both on and off the pitch and as I’ve mentioned on several occasions I want our tenure here with Aberdeen to be remembered fondly as a successful period and one where we were winning trophies.
“I am committed to trying to bring more success to the club and with the excellent squad of players we have and the backing of our brilliant supporters, it is important we keep driving forward both on and off the pitch and maximise our full potential.
“I love working for the club and our aim must always be to have a competitive, confident Aberdeen team on the pitch, producing young players and training professionally in a modern facility that is in keeping with the ambitious club we are.
“We require the full support of the city and all our supporters to help us achieve that.”
The renewal is a further boost to Aberdeen as they make a concerted effort to close the gap on Celtic while remaining ahead of Pedro Caixinha’s new-look Rangers.
A busy summer recruitment programme has resulted in Greg Tansey, Gary Mackay-Steven, Kari Arnason, Greg Stewart and Nicky Maynard all pitching up at Pittodrie, but it is perhaps in formalising McInnes’ intent to stay that the club has made its biggest statement.
The new contract issues a firm ‘hands-off’ warning to would-be suitors and will allow Aberdeen to officially move on from the recent uncertainty, with chairman Stewart Milne describing it as a “real boost” ahead of the new season.
He said: “I mentioned recently that Derek and Tony had demonstrated their loyalty to and ambitions for the club when they elected to remain and this contract extension reaffirms that.
“I would again urge the supporters, as they always do, to get right behind Derek, Tony and the team and really make a difference for what promises to be another exciting, and hopefully ultimately, successful season.
“Continuity will be crucial in the weeks and months to come as we look to enjoy another successful campaign on the park and begin the process of delivering our new Training and Community facilities and the new Stadium.”
McInnes looked bound for the English Championship after being given permission to speak to newly relegated Sunderland, following the likes of Jonny Hayes, Ryan Jack and Niall McGinn through the exit door.
However, after lengthy talks with the Wearside club, McInnes opted to remain at Pittodrie.
It is believed that Sunderland’s parlous financial situation had a bearing on his decision but he clearly also relished the chance to rebuild at Aberdeen as they prepare to battle once again for the SPFL.
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