Former St. Johnstone chairman Geoff Brown has slammed Rangers for their delayed approach for Aberdeen boss Derek McInnes, calling it ‘a disgrace.’
McInnes was Saints manager when Bristol City came calling in 2011, and Brown saw his much-favoured boss walk away after four years in Perth.
As reported by the Scottish Sun, Rangers are expected to seal the appointment of McInnes today (Thursday) after the 46-year-old held overnight talks with Dons chairman Stewart Milne.
The news follows six weeks of speculation since Gers sacked Pedro Caixinha after a poor start to the season, and Brown says the decision is ultimately up to McInnes.
Speaking to the Sun, he said: “At the end of the day it’s all down to Derek. It will be his call, his decision. How would it be anything else? Aberdeen are playing hard ball. Is there any reason why they wouldn’t?Stewart Milne can’t do anything else. You have your most successful boss since Alex Ferguson. Who wouldn’t fight to try and hold on to him?
“Their fans will think they should be batting off Rangers. At this moment they won’t be seeing Rangers as a bigger club. I don’t know the contract McInnes has but if there is a termination clause that will be the sum Rangers will have to pay to get their man.”
Brown then took a swipe at Rangers for their delay in moving for McInnes, and claimed they couldn’t afford a manager from English football.
“To go to Rangers now will be some task. If you have unrest all the time it is very hard to be an effective manager. It is a disgrace how long they have taken over this. Mind you, if I was on the Rangers board I don’t know where I would look because they can’t afford ones in the Championship in England, never mind the Premier League,” he said.
OPINION
It has been the question on everyone’s minds ever since McInnes, who won the treble at Rangers during his playing days, was linked with the Ibrox job. Why have Rangers taken so long to move for their man? Whatever the reasons behind the delay, Brown’s frustration with it is understandable. The situation would have been much easier for all parties if it was resolved weeks ago. Yet, as Brown says, there is nothing really Aberdeen can do at this point. McInnes obviously has his heart set on Ibrox, and they better start looking for a replacement as soon as possible.