Derek McInnes claims he did hold talks with Walter Smith about the Rangers manager’s job in 2017; and that the truth will out regarding his decision to turn it down.
Back when the former Ibrox midfielder was in charge of Aberdeen, Rangers approached the manager to potentially replace Pedro Caixinha at the end of the year.
Infamously rejecting the approach, reports amid Rangers’ hunt for a new manager earlier in the month had claimed that Rangers legend Walter Smith urged Derek McInnes to turn the role down.
Speaking to Mail Plus, now Kilmarnock manager McInnes has claimed he held lengthy talks with Smith regarding the role and that there is a “story to tell” regarding the situation.
“I did have a long chat with the gaffer [in 2017],” said McInnes. “Listen, I have a story to tell about that whole episode. It’s not the time to do it now.
“I felt that Walter wanted me to be the Rangers manager, but he also had his concerns for me with it.
“It was his advice and, while he left me in no doubt that it was my decision, he was involved in every step of the way there. The gaffer had an influence on most of my big decisions. And when I look back now, I wish I had spoken to him MORE to be honest.
“I was talking to my old teammate Charlie Miller the other week and he said the same thing. We still can’t believe he has gone and we all miss him.
“We really do, we miss him. It sounds mad, because I would go periods of time without speaking to him or seeing him. But not being able to pick the phone up or see him at different events has created a void.”
Derek McInnes consulted Walter Smith on Rangers manager’s job
Whilst Derek McInnes turned down the manager’s gig at Rangers, the Gers would go on to appoint Steven Gerrard and the rest is history.
But even as the club looked to replace Michael Beale, Derek McInnes was once again linked to the job and for plenty believe he’s a solid candidate to be Rangers manager.
Not least Celtic rival Brendan Rodgers.
As things have transpired Rangers are moving in a different direction with Philippe Clement and so far the Belgian is leaving a positive impression on Glasgow.
But as far as the future is concerned there is very much a feeling that the ship has sailed with regards the Rangers manager’s job for Derek McInnes.
Whilst the details of the conversations with Walter Smith will remain private for now, you do get a feeling it’s a situation that Derek McInnes somewhat regrets.
