Derek McInnes ‘takes major step towards Aberdeen exit’ after talks

Rangers have made it clear they want the 46 year-old to become their new boss but have been forced to wait while McInnes held crunch talks Dons chairman Stewart Milne.

Both McInnes and his assistant Tony Docherty were absent from training for the second day running on Thursday as those discussions continued.

Aberdeen manager Derek McInnes is wanted by Rangers. Picture: PA

Now Dons under-20s boss Sheerin - who has been preparing the team for Friday night’s clash at Dundee alongside first team-coach Barry Robson - says a conclusion could be in sight.

Sheerin, who was also standing in for McInnes at the club’s weekly media conference, was quoted by Aberdeen’s official Twitter account saying: “There will be a resolution on the manager sometime today and we’re preparing for the game tomorrow night.

“I’ve spoken to Derek about the game tomorrow and not about anything else.

“We all hope Derek and Tony stay but that is all out of our hands.”

Meanwhile, a leading fans’ representative has called McInnes’ position “untenable”.

Dons’ Supporters Together chairman Scott Barclay has pointed the finger of blame squarely in the direction of the Dons manager for failing to reinforce his commitment to Aberdeen and quash the rumours.

He told BBC Scotland “Derek’s a very clever man and he’s managed the media as best as he could but there is one man in this whole situation that could have killed [the speculation] and that is Derek McInnes.

“His failure to come out and nail this down pretty much makes it clear he’s waiting for things to be tidied up.

“Fans are tearing each other apart over the whole thing and it’s not our making, or the club’s.

“He’s been backed to the hilt and given money to spend; considerably more than anyone in a long time.

“He was rewarded with a new contract after the Sunderland situation but here we go again.”

Derek McInnes' future with Aberdeen set to be resolved today