DEREK McINNES and his assistant Tony Docherty have left Aberdeen 'by mutual consent' after eight years at Pittodrie, the club have announced.
The Dons are currently fourth in the Scottish Premiership but supporters have grown weary with the lack of entertaining football on offer, and a recent dismal run of just one goal in their last eight outings appears to have been the straw that broke the camel's back for Dave Cormack.
McInnes' relationship with the club's chairman is said to have grown strained in recent months due to off-field matters, with the 49-year-old thanking fans for their support during his tenure.
"This season has been unprecedented due to a number of factors and I am as frustrated as anyone that results haven’t been of the high standard which we set," McInnes told afc.co.uk.
“My motivation to deliver success has never wavered and during my eight-year tenure my staff and I have worked hard to elevate expectations and set a minimum standard which should be demanded at a club like Aberdeen FC.
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“I would like to thank all the players who have featured in my teams over the years, my current staff and players for their efforts and all the staff behind the scenes for their hard work and endeavour. To the supporters for their continuous backing and, of course, the board for their support during my time at the club.”
The two coaches have left with immediate effect, with Aberdeen on the lookout for his successor. Paul Sheerin will take charge in the interim, assisted by Barry Robson and Neil Simpson.
In a statement on the club's website, Cormack told supporters: "During his time in charge Derek raised the bar and delivered a level of consistency not seen at the club for many years, qualifying for Europe each season, and delivering a memorable Scottish League Cup win at Celtic Park in season 2013/14 with 43,000 Dons fans in attendance.
"Clearly, results since the turn of the year have been disappointing and frustrating for everyone.
"Derek and I reviewed where we were and agreed that this was the right time for him to step down.
"The club now has the opportunity to appoint a new manager ahead of the new season where, with a number of players out of contract, we have work to do to build a competitive squad.
"Derek and Tony leave with our thanks and gratitude for what they have achieved during their tenure. We wish them well for the future."
Cormack continued: “The board will start the search for the new management team immediately and has a clear timetable in place.
"In the meantime, we believe we have a robust interim solution for the rest of the season and the Scottish Cup which is still all to play for!"
McInnes joined Aberdeen in 2013 and secured the League Cup the following year. He rejected an offer to take over as Rangers manager in 2017 and achieved four successive second place finishes in the Premiership between 2015 and 2018.
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