Aberdeen see Derek Adams as Craig Brown replacement

DEREK Adams has emerged as a possible replacement for Craig Brown as the Aberdeen board consider the former Scotland and Motherwell manager’s future.

A disappointing 3-0 loss to Inverness CT this weekend left the Dons in fifth, although they are just six points off second.

However, the Pittodrie side’s cup clash away to Hibs is looking more and more important by the day.

George Yule has demanded a top three finish this season, but the Dons have been blighted by a lengthy injury list and the recent loss of winger Ryan Fraser will hamper Brown’s efforts even further.

Adams’ performance with Ross County on a small budget has caught Aberdeen’s eye, with the Staggies currently 11 points clear of the dropzone, and fresh off the back of a rampant 4-1 win away to St Mirren.

The signing of Hibs winger Ivan Sproule proved to be a good move by Adams, as the Northern Irishman grabbed a debut double in Paisley.

Aberdeen’s form has been mixed this season, with a ten-game unbeaten run at one point - but Derek Adams, a former Dons player, has been lauded for his work with the Staggies, winning two titles and taking them to a Scottish Cup final, beating Celtic on the way.

Brown is 72 years old now, and Aberdeen might decide not to renew his contract when it expires, in which case the Dons could move for Adams, who has made no secret of his desire to manage at a bigger club.