ABERDEEN have been forced to issue a statement confirming that Derek McInnes is to remain their manager after league sponsors Ladbrokes sparked a storm by suspending betting on him leaving Pittodrie.
The bookmaking firm issued a press release to state that they had closed the market on the 44-year-old remaining as the manager of the Premiership leaders after cutting the price on his departure from 25-1 to 10-11 after installing him at 4-1 to become the new head coach of the Scotland national team.
McInnes’ future was also the subject of intense speculation on social media with the club stating their official position shortly before close of business.
“The club can confirm Derek McInnes remains the manager of Aberdeen Football Club,” read a statement.
“The various rumours, which have been circulating this afternoon on social media, are completely without substance or foundation and we would question the motivation of those individuals looking to unsettle the club.
“Derek is fully focused on preparing the squad for our important match against Ross County on Friday evening. The club will not be commenting further on this matter.”
Ladbrokes have insisted, however, that they had good reason to prevent further bets being placed on McInnes’ time at Aberdeen coming to a close.
“Betting has been suspended following a run of bets for McInnes to be the next manager to leave,” stated their spokesman, David Macdonald. “We're taking a breather and will look to re-open the market shortly."
McInnes has suffered three straight defeats to Hibernian, Inverness Caledonian Thistle and St Johnstone, but he retains the backing of his board thanks to an impressive spell in charge that has brought a League Cup triumph and a second-placed finish in the SPFL Premiership.
Aberdeen currently lead Celtic by a point in the league with McInnes having signed a new contract in June that ties him to the club until the summer of 2019.
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