McInnes named new manager of Aberdeen

Aberdeen today unveiled former St Johnstone and Bristol City boss Derek McInnes as their new manager following the recent announcement that Craig Brown is to step down.

McInnes, 41, and his assistant Tony Docherty have signed contracts until the summer of 2015 and will officially take charge at Pittodrie following the SPL split early next month.

The Dons still have a chance of making the top six as they prepare to face Hearts at Pittodrie on Saturday and Dundee United at Tannadice the following weekend.

Chairman Stewart Milne said: "From the moment Craig Brown announced his intention to step down, Derek and Tony were at the forefront of our thoughts alongside other potential candidates.

"Our board had a clear vision of the type of person we needed to drive change going forward and having reviewed and worked through all of the available options in detail, the consensus was very much that they ticked all of the right boxes for us.

"George Yule, Duncan Fraser and myself initially met with Derek last week, with the remainder of the board subsequently meeting him, and we were all hugely impressed with his assessment of the club, its potential, and what they believed was required to move it on from the strong platform that Craig and Archie have established over the past two or so years.

"We also felt that it was important to confirm the new team as soon as possible to allow them enough time to assess the playing squad prior to the start of next season, but it was equally important that we carried out a full review of all the potential managerial candidates to ensure we secured the correct people."

McInnes added: "In tandem with trying to finish the current campaign in as high a league position as possible, I will also of course be assessing the squad with next season in mind. There is so much to do, so many opportunities and I'm really looking forward to get started."