Hearts have made an official move to bring Kilmarnock manager Derek McInnes to Tynecastle as they step up the search for Neil Critchley’s successor.
The 53-year old has delivered success with St Johnstone, Aberdeen and Kilmarnock throughout his time as a head coach in Scottish football and a big part of that has been his signings. It’s fair to say the former Rangers midfielder has a preference for UK based players which brings up the question of what that means for the current oversees players at Tynecastle and the club’s current recruitment process involving Jamestown Analytics.
Here are the 116 signings that McInnes made for Aberdeen and Kilmarnock:
37. Nicky Maynard
Maynard was one of the EFL Championship's deadliest hitmen with Bristol City which earned him a move to West Ham. His career was on the downslope when he arrived at Aberdeen after spells with Cardiff, Wigan and MK Dons and he would score non goals during his one season in Scotland before signing for Bury. | SNS Group
38. Gary Mackay-Steven
After his move to Celtic failed to take off he managed to revive things at Aberdeen, who paid just £150k for the winger. Two productive seasons at Pittodrie saw him earn a move to New York City in the MLS and he returned to Scotland in 2021 with Hearts. | SNS Group
39. Kari Arnason
A popular signing with the Aberdeen fans after his brief but memorable stint with them back in 2011/12. The Iceland international had another single season spell in the North East where he was an important part of the side. | SNS Group
40. Stevie May
The St Johnstone favourite's move to England didn't work out and Aberdeen spent £400k to bring him back to Scotland from Preston. He never really hit the heights of his first McDiarmid Park run again and injuries also hampered his Dons tenure before he returned to the Perth club in 2019. | SNS Group