Dons in stalemate over just £25k compensation

Published on Thursday 11 June 2009 22:41

THE bid to install Mark McGhee as manager at Pittodrie stalled again last night with Aberdeen and Motherwell unable to agree on compensation.

But the three-week saga could end today with both sides nearing a compromise. Fir Park owner John Boyle had demanded 260,000 for the loss of his manager while Dons chairman Stewart Milne only offered 150,000.

However, last night it was reported that the gap between the clubs had narrowed to just 25,000 and a deal is likely to be reached today to appoint the successor to Jimmy Calderwood who was sacked on the final day of the league season.

A Pittodrie spokesman admitted last night: "There will be nothing done today and I can't say if there will be tomorrow. But we hope to bring things to a conclusion as soon as possible."

McGhee, along with his assistant Scott Leitch, arrived in Aberdeen yesterday for talks with his former team-mate Willie Miller, the Pittodrie director of football. McGhee, who has agreed personal terms on a two-year contract, emerged confident from the meeting and told local media that he might see them later in the day. However, compensation could not be resolved.