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:
57. Ash Taylor
After two seasons with Northampton Town the Welsh centre back returned to Aberdeen for a second spell. This one didn't last as long as the first as he departed after 18 months and this isn't the last time you'll see him on this list... | SNS Group
58. Curtis Main
Motherwell brought the English striker to Scottish football and Aberdeen snapped him up on a free after a season at Fir Park. He spent two seasons at Pittodrie but couldn't nail down a regular starting place and left for Shrewsbury Town during the pandemic before returning to Scottish football with St Mirren. | SNS Group
59. Michael Ruth
The last promising young striker that Aberdeen signed from Queen's Park didn't get much of a look in with the first team and neither did Ruth. Unlike Shankland though he didn't go on to top flight success and international caps and currently plays for Dumbarton. | SNS Group
60. Craig Bryson
The former Killie midfielder arrived at Aberdeen after over 250 appearances for Derby County but injury issues followed him to the North East and he managed just ten league appearances during his two seasons at Pittodrie. | SNS Group