Derek McInnes signs 18-month deal to become new Kilmarnock manager
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Derek McInnes, left, has replaced Tommy Wright as Kilmarnock boss
Derek McInnes has signed an 18-month deal to become the new manager of Scottish Championship club Kilmarnock.
The 50-year-old has been out of work since leaving Aberdeen last March after eight years in charge.
He replaces Tommy Wright, who was sacked last month after the Ayrshire club's promotion bid faltered with four defeats in five.
"I'm delighted to be here and I'm well aware of the potential of the club," McInnes said.
"I know the backing from the fans can make this club special so for me it is a great opportunity."
Kilmarnock, relegated last season, are in fourth place, five points behind leaders Arbroath with a game in hand.
McInnes' first game in charge will be against Queen of the South at Palmerston on Saturday, and he is expected to be joined by long-term assistant Tony Docherty.
The former Morton, Rangers, West Brom and Dundee United midfielder steered St Johnstone to promotion from the second tier in 2009 in his first managerial role.
He went on to lead Bristol City before ending Aberdeen's 19-year trophy drought with 2014 League Cup success during his long Pittodrie tenure.
Kilmarnock have turned to him after former St Johnstone manager Wright, who oversaw a major squad rebuild at Rugby Park last summer, was dismissed after just 10 months in charge.
"Derek is one of the most highly respected managers in Scottish football and we are thrilled that he's agreed to join," said Kilmarnock director Billy Bowie.
"From our discussions, it was clear he shared our determination and ambition to bring success to our club and we look forward to working with him to achieve our goals for this season and beyond."
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