McInnes calls for cup backing

Jan 11 2011 by Gordon Bannerman, Perthshire Advertiser Tuesday

ST Johnstone chairman Geoff Brown yesterday stressed he has not received an approach from Burnley for his manager, Derek McInnes.

But having snatched Owen Coyle from McDiarmid Park more than three years ago, Perth fans have reason to be anxious as the Turf Moor club continues to be linked with last term’s Scottish manager of the year candidate.

Burnley chairman Barry Kilby has been refused permission to speak with ex-Celt Paul Lambert at Norwich and Watford are digging in their heels over a potential approach to Malky Mackay. But St Johnstone’s compensation demands wouldn’t put them off if they opt to follow-up interest in McInnes.

Kilby maintained he had half a dozen names on his original shortlist.

Under caretaker manager Stuart Gray, Burnley advanced to the fifth round of the FA Cup with a 4-2 win over Port Vale at the weekend and now face Burton.

He was placed in charge for three games and is now seeking clarification of his status.

In Lancashire, McInnes – clearly a serious contender – continues to be linked with the post along with Bournemouth’s Eddie Howe and ex-Chelsea assistant Steve Clarke.

Brown has watched speculation mount but said: “So far nobody from Burnley has been in touch with me.”

While Saints have been strongly linked with a transfer window move for Dundee striker Leigh Griffiths, Brown laughed off suggestions of any £100,000-plus move for a player who was almost lured to Perth when he left Livingston.

Dundee’s financial woes have also muddied the water for any potential deal involving their one-time striker, Stevie Milne.

Brown said: “We are not exactly flush right now. It has been an awful time for us, with just one home gate of 3500 in the last two months.

“And with games re-arranged for midweek that is money you won’t recover.

“We are on course for losing an awful lot of money this season.”

McInnes, well aware of the value of a cup run in financial terms, yesterday called for Perth fans to back their team to the hilt in Gorgie.

He said: “I remember not long after coming here we played Hibs in a cup semi-final at Tynecastle and the fans gave us fantastic backing.

“The players really responded and hopefully the fans will give us their noisy support for this tie. It really can make a difference and while this is early in the competition we want to make it a memorable night for St Johnstone.

“It is a massive tie for us and we are ready for it.”