The most obvious answer is McInnes might not have decided what he wants to do on Sunday.
Sit in the dugout or in the stand? Or nowhere at all? Damned if he does, damned if he doesn’t. It’s an unenviable position.
“You’ve got to come out and do the interview after the game, especially after a disappointing performance,” former Kilmarnock goalkeeper Cammy Bell agreed.
“He needs to come out and have that conversation. I’d be very surprised to see him in the dugout on Sunday. I think he’ll be in the stand.”
Supporters are equally unimpressed. When canvassed for their opinion pre-match, plenty of credit was given to the work McInnes has done at Rugby Park, but concerns about Sunday’s game were mentioned.
“I’m quite disappointed with the way it’s been handled,” said one disgruntled fan. “He has taken Killie to Europe and we’ve stayed safe this year. I just wish both clubs had waited until Monday and shown the fans more respect.
“Some said Chris Burke, the under-18 manager, should take charge for the next games, or have someone sitting there until we have a new manager in place.”
Former Kilmarnock assistant Gerry McCabe disagreed. “Derek has done very well at Kilmarnock, he can leave with his head held high,” he said.
“He’s still Kilmarnock manager. Football will throw up things like that and people might say the timing is wrong, but Derek says he’s focused on getting Killie safe and that’s what he’s done.
“Fans will be disappointed he’s leaving, but I think Derek can handle that.”
