Derek McInnes staying at Aberdeen is a relief for Dons fans – but he was never likely to leave for Stoke City.
McInnes’ name, according to the Scottish Sun, cropped up as a potential candidate for the job – but after turning down Rangers, a move to Stoke would seem ridiculous.
That’s not to say anything about Stoke, but more McInnes’ history at Ibrox.
When he turned down the chance to replace Pedro Caixinha, it very much looked as though there was a job at Pittodrie as long as McInnes wanted one.
It’s probably still the case today.
The idea he was going to walk away from the most competitive title race in years is crazy.
Pushing Celtic and Rangers all the way would be another step in the right direction for him.
Recent seasons have seen Celtic miles in front but with only a few points covering the top four then the title is wide open.
The Dons might well fall short this year too but there’s a real sense that the gap is closing.
The Old Firm are nowhere near as dominant as they once were and there could be a new champions for the first time in decades.
You can’t help but feel McInnes will be at Pittodrie until it is closed completely.