Derek McInnes extends Aberdeen contract to 2020

ABERDEEN manager Derek McInnes has committed himself to the club until 2020.

McInnes and assistant Tony Docherty have both signed 12-month extensions to their current contracts.

The new deals – announced on the Ladbrokes Premiership club’s Twitter account – come just over a month after McInnes rejected an offer to take over as Sunderland boss.

BREAKING NEWS | Management team extend Pittodrie stay until 2020! More to follow… #StandFree #AllForAberdeen pic.twitter.com/68TRUlgH1R

— Aberdeen FC (@AberdeenFC) July 18, 2017

McInnes has led the Dons to a hat-trick of runners-up spots in the league following a third-placed finish in his first full season. The former St Johnstone and Bristol City manager also guided Aberdeen to two cup finals last term following their 2014 League Cup triumph, the club’s first major trophy for 19 years.

The 46-year-old told the club’s official website: “We’re delighted to extend our contracts and both Tony and I are looking forward to the season ahead.

“We’ve still a lot to do both on and off the pitch and as I’ve mentioned on several occasions I want our tenure here with Aberdeen to be remembered fondly as a successful period and one where we were winning trophies.

“I am committed to trying to bring more success to the club and with the excellent squad of players we have and the backing of our brilliant supporters, it is important we keep driving forward both on and off the pitch and maximise our full potential as a club.”

McInnes, whose side face Siroki Brijeg in Bosnia in the Europa League on Thursday following a 1-1 first-leg draw, added: “I love working for the club.

“Our aim must always be to have a competitive, confident Aberdeen team on the pitch, producing young players and training professionally in a modern facility that is in keeping with the ambitious club we are.

“We require the full support of the city and all our supporters to help us achieve that.

“As well as creating a professional environment, strong relationships are key if you want to be successful in football and we have that both with our players and supporters.

“Lastly, I would like to thank the chairman and the board for their trust, confidence and backing.”

Chairman Stewart Milne added: “I mentioned recently that Derek and Tony had demonstrated their loyalty to and ambitions for the club when they elected to remain and this contract extension reaffirms that.”