Rumour Mill: Derek McInnes didn't feel wanted | Rangers search an '˜absolute disaster' | Italian giants eye Celtic ace

Derek McInnes turned down Rangers because he didn't feel properly wanted by the Ibrox club, ex-player Steven Thompson has called the handling of the managerial search by the club's board an 'absolute disaster', and Fiorentina become the latest club to join the race for Moussa Dembele.
Derek McInnes has decided to remain at Aberdeen. Picture: John DevlinDerek McInnes has decided to remain at Aberdeen. Picture: John Devlin
Derek McInnes has decided to remain at Aberdeen. Picture: John Devlin
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Derek McInnes follows Alex Ferguson and Jim McLean in rebuffing Rangers

Derek McInnes didn’t feel wanted

Derek McInnes turned down Rangers because he was told by Aberdeen chairman Stewart Milne that, in order to speak with the Ibrox hierarchy, he would have to resign from his post at Pittodrie. Protective of his legacy and unsure about how much Rangers wanted him, given the six-week delay since the sacking of Pedro Caixinha, he decided to stay. (Daily Record)

Derek McInnes has decided to remain at Aberdeen. Picture: John DevlinDerek McInnes has decided to remain at Aberdeen. Picture: John Devlin
Derek McInnes has decided to remain at Aberdeen. Picture: John Devlin

Thompson: Rangers search an “absolute disaster”

Rangers’ failure to land Derek McInnes as new boss after a six-week wait has been called “an embarrassment”, “a shambles” and “an absolute disaster” by former striker Steven Thompson. The BBC pundit, writing in his column for The Herald, went on to praise McInnes for showing “guts” to turn down the position and remaining loyal to Aberdeen Football Club. (The Herald)

Murty new favourite as he remains in charge

Derek McInnes has decided to remain at Aberdeen. Picture: John DevlinDerek McInnes has decided to remain at Aberdeen. Picture: John Devlin
Derek McInnes has decided to remain at Aberdeen. Picture: John Devlin
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Graeme Murty is the new favourite to become the next permanent boss at Rangers. The interim manager recently guided the side to two consecutive victories over Aberdeen and has been instilled as the front-runner among the bookmakers. The club have confirmed that Murty will remain in charge until at least the end of this year. (Scottish Sun)

- Rangers have taken a thinly-veiled swipe at Derek McInnes, saying they agree with Aberdeen that it would be best if he stayed in the North East because it’s a “big step” to take over a “massive club”.(The Scotsman)

- Graeme Shinnie believes Aberdeen will now go on and finish best of the rest in Scottish football for the fourth season running. (The Herald)

Rangers stunned by McInnes decision

Derek McInnes left Rangers stunned with his decision to turn down the opportunity to become the new manager. Having spent two days agonising over his future, McInnes confounded widespread expectations as he opted to remain in charge at Pittodrie. It is understood Rangers managing director Stewart Robertson and director of football Mark Allen were confident that McInnes would agree to become the club’s 16th permanent manager. (The Scotsman)

Fiorentina join Dembele race

Fiorentina have joined the race to sign Celtic striker Moussa Dembele. The Serie A side are keen to bolster their attacking options and are considering a January move for the highly-rated French striker. The 21-year-old was recently linked with a move to English Premier League side Brighton, who are said to be prepared to make Dembele their most expensive signing ever. (La Nazione)

Hearts insist match will go ahead

Hearts insist tomorrow’s home clash with Motherwell will go ahead, despite a police report calling for a “re-examination” of the last-minute safety certificate awarded to Tynecastle’s new main stand last month. Club chiefs were locked in urgent talks yesterday after leaked correspondence between matchday police and City of Edinburgh Council safety officers highlighted a number of faults. (The Scotsman)

Boyle signs new deal at Hibs

Neil Lennon revealed last night that Martin Boyle has been rewarded for an impressive start to the season with a new contract which will tie the lightning-fast winger to Hibernian until the summer of 2021. The 24-year-old only signed a new deal in the summer but such has been his impact in the top flight, moves were quickly made to have him agree an extension. (The Scotsman)