Rangers fans are reacting as Aberdeen boss Derek McInnes officially leaves the Dons – making Ibrox gaffer Steven Gerrard the Scottish Premiership’s longest-serving manager.
Since Liverpool legend Gerrard came to Scotland the landscape of the nation’s game has changed completely with his 1040 days in charge the most of any top division boss.
Aberdeen Football Club and Manager, Derek McInnes, have agreed to part company after eight years.
The manager and his assistant, Tony Docherty, will leave the Club with immediate effect.
— Aberdeen FC (@AberdeenFC) March 8, 2021
Aberdeen boss McInnes had previously held the title having left Pittodrie two weeks before his eighth anniversary as the Dandies’ manager.
McInnes, 49, leaves Aberdeen after a string of disappointing performances this season and a run of two wins in 13 games, including a period of five games without a goal.
RONALDO NEEDS TO STOP WHINING.
“During his time in charge Derek raised the bar and delivered a level of consistency not seen at the Club for many years, qualifying for Europe each season, and delivering a memorable Scottish League Cup win at Celtic Park in season 2013/14 with 43,000 Dons fans in attendance,” said Aberdeen chairman Dave Cormack [AFC].
“Clearly, results since the turn of the year have been disappointing and frustrating for everyone. Derek and I reviewed where we were and agreed that this was the right time for him to step down.
“The Club now has the opportunity to appoint a new manager ahead of the new season where, with a number of players out of contract, we have work to do to build a competitive squad.
“Derek and Tony leave with our thanks and gratitude for what they have achieved during their tenure. We wish them well for the future.”
Rangers boss Steven Gerrard is now the Scottish Premiership’s longest serving manager. (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)
McInnes infamously turned down the opportunity to manage Rangers before the club moved for Steven Gerrard in a decision which in hindsight, worked out massively at Ibrox.
Gerrard is now the longest-serving manager in the division whilst McInnes is sacked from one of Rangers’ biggest domestic rivals.
Many of the Ibrox faithful have reiterated their delight that ex-Rangers midfielder McInnes turned down the job as they reacted to his departure:
Thank you for Ryan Jack, Scott Wright & most importantly turning us down.
— Jamie Hunter (@jamiehunter72) March 8, 2021
Glad we didn’t get him but yous will be bottom 6 next season he’s the best yous will get
— PaulHallyburton (@ha11y6) March 8, 2021
The Gerrard effect 😎 pic.twitter.com/jdYAt31Bfv
— Sir John Lundstram (@King_Kamara18) March 8, 2021
— 𝗠𝗶𝗰𝗵𝗮𝗲𝗹 (@SeafarerMichael) March 8, 2021
Wonder if Lennon and McInnes will give each other a wee wave as the pass each other on the A90
— B4zzB0wsk1 (@B4ZZ_B0W5K1) March 9, 2021
https://twitter.com/Geddes1989/status/1369170321752854531
Everyday I thank Derek McInnes for turning down the job of Rangers manager. pic.twitter.com/u7i5iWln1I
— 𝗠𝗶𝗰𝗵𝗮𝗲𝗹 (@SeafarerMichael) March 8, 2021
Steven Gerrard is now the longest serving manager in the Scottish Premier League!
He’s seen Neil Lennon out of 2 jobs, Hibs and Celtic, now McInnes from Aberdeen! #Champion55 🔴⚪️🔵 pic.twitter.com/nXl0V8u6jd
— Rangers History 🏆 (@RangersFACTS) March 8, 2021
Derek McInnes leaving Aberdeen 👀
We gathering at the square to celebrate if he gets the celtic job🤣?
— Steely (@OhItsSteely) March 8, 2021
https://twitter.com/RangersOnTour_/status/1369034048975368200
https://twitter.com/paulpat08884913/status/1369034511703539712
Got to be a McInnes and Collins dream team for Separate Entity 😂😂😂
Make it happen 🙏🥳 pic.twitter.com/Q7IlRhCLVw
— RyanClarkKent 💎 (@1872RCK) March 8, 2021
Aberdeen just like Celtic, had a free hit for 7/8 years
Under McInnes they improved massively then stagnated – he bottled the Rangers job, what a result that was
However – they won’t get anyone better and along with Celtic it’s a massive massive rebuild
Karma for both ✌🏻
— ArfieldLoyal37 (@Arfieldloyal37) March 8, 2021
The week we win 55 Derek Mcinnes is punted from aberdeeen… pic.twitter.com/of3BYVTqFy
— CJ (@cjnovo992) March 8, 2021
Aberdeen sacking McInnes. Did we ever dodge a huge bullet with that guy.
— andrew gebbie (@andygebb) March 8, 2021
Rangers boss Gerrard can walk on water and is a legend to fans after claiming the club’s 55th league title over the weekend.
One former Rangers chairman also believes he’ll be going nowhere despite persistent links with a return back down south to Liverpool.