Aberdeen chief Dave Cormack cancels planned Q&A and urges fans to stick behind Derek McInnes
Dons fans had been promised “no question is off limits” ahead of the live online session due to take place on Tuesday, however, the event has now been postponed, with Cormack pledging to meet supporters in person after the Covid-19 pandemic has passed.
The US-based owner had been expected to face a grilling from fans after a poor run of form – Aberdeen have just one win in nine and have failed to score in five successive matches – prompting calls for a change in manager as McInnes approaches eight years in the Pittodrie hot-seat.
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Hide AdBut Cormack has urged supporters to back the under-fire boss and his players as they prepare for Wednesday’s trip to Celtic Park.
A statement said: “In confirming the Q&A event for this Tuesday night, in spite of the recent run of results we felt it important to keep to the commitment we made to be transparent. On reflection, our focus needs to be 100% on supporting Derek and the players as they prepare for the remaining league games, starting with Celtic on Wednesday night.
"It was my decision to confirm the Tuesday night event, and it was my decision today to postpone it. In the interim we commit to continue to provide updates and clarification on key issues. Just like we did before COVID-19, once we are out of this pandemic, myself and Rob Wicks are happy to meet with fans face-to-face at the club.
“We’re all frustrated by our recent form, whether it be Derek, the players or the 100,000 fans who follow Aberdeen FC around the globe. Yes, there’s a vocal group on social media, perfectly entitled to their opinions, but there are hundreds of others who have gone out of their way to send Derek and the Club messages of support as we go through this challenging period.
“This pandemic has hit every club. This season’s projected cost of running Aberdeen FC is £14.1 million, with a wages to turnover ratio of 90%. With net season ticket income of £1.6million and net AberDNA income of £700,000 for 2020/21, never mind not knowing when we will be back in front of crowds, everyone is playing their part getting through the biggest challenge our club has faced in its proud 117 year history. We’ve never gone into administration or been liquidated.
"While this means that we will continue to run Aberdeen FC as a sustainable club, like every board has done since 1903, we will strive to continue to invest in the football operation and fan engagement to meet our stated goals of aspiring to 15,000 season ticket holders. It’s going to take all of us to achieve this.
“This makes me and everyone at the club want to double down and see it through. Yes, we’re going through a horrible period, but my message is that this too shall pass. Let’s respect each other’s differing opinions. Say what you mean, but don’t be mean about it!
“Our goal now is to ensure a successful conclusion to the season by securing third spot."