Derek McInnes rules out West Bromwich Albion
DEREK McInnes has ruled himself out of the running for the Albion managerial vacancy, leaving Alan Irvine and Dave Jones to go head-to-head.
The former Albion captain had been the favourite to succeed Tony Mowbray but he has pledged his future to St Johnstone.
“It’s flattering to be linked with jobs but I see my immediate future here with St Johnstone,” he said.
“I’m still trying to get one or two players in before we start back at training and I’m also trying to get something sorted out with my own future.
“St Johnstone have been good to me and I’m grateful to the chairman Geoff Brown for giving me the opportunity. I’m looking forward to working with the squad and the challenges we have ahead of us in the SPL.’’
The Albion hierarchy met yesterday afternoon to discuss their options.
They are believed to favour Preston’s Irvine, who spent a long apprenticeship as assistant to David Moyes at Everton before taking over at Deepdale in November 2007, or the vastly experienced Cardiff City boss Jones.
They could make an approach today with a view to holding negotiations over the weekend.
However, Preston chairman Derek Shaw has told Albion any approach for Irvine would not be welcomed.
