Saint Derek

Last updated : 02 January 2007 By The Merry Lion
Derek McInnes
McInnes: Moving back North
Former Millwall captain Derek McInnes has joined Scottish side St. Johnstone after being allowed to leave The Den on a free transfer.

The 35-year-old joined the club in the summer and was instantly installed as club captain by former boss Nigel Spackman but the ex-international found the commute from Scotland to South London too much to take - the midfielder had been travelling to train with the squad while his family remained North of the Border.

"I missed the family when I was down south during the week and my wife is pregnant so I felt it was right to come back to Scotland."

"I went there in the summer on a two-year deal but with an understanding that I would review things after six months to see how I was getting on with the travelling," McInnes told the Saints website.

McInnes made just 14 appearances for The Lions during an injury-blighted six months at The New Den, scoring one goal but he appears to retain some affection for the club, despite his brief stay.

"Millwall are such a professional club," he continued. "I would have loved to have gone there earlier in my career."