Scottish Professional Football League CEO Neil Doncaster is "attempting to defuse a potentially explosive fall out" between Aberdeen and SPFL sponsor Ladbrokes, according to Keith Jackson of the Scotland DAILY RECORD. Doncaster "ordered an immediate probe" on Wednesday when the Pittodrie outfit "reacted furiously" to some suggestions Aberdeen Manager Derek McInnes was about to be axed. The row "flared up" after Ladbrokes revealed through its PR department that the company "had stopped taking bets on McInnes being the next top-flight boss to lose his job." The bookies "then installed the Dons gaffer as a 4/1 front runner to replace Gordon Strachan in the Scotland dugout." The activity "infuriated McInnes and his Aberdeen bosses who suspect they have been embroiled in a cynical guerrilla marketing ploy -- and are concerned it could destablise the club at a critical juncture in this season’s title race." Angry Aberdeen CEO Duncan Fraser contacted Doncaster "to demand an explanation as the club was rushing out a statement of its own to rubbish all manner of highly dubious online rumours." After conducting his own investigation, Doncaster "appeared to be satisfied the Ladbrokes publicity machine had only launched into action after a flurry of bets were placed on McInnes being the next boss for the chop" (DAILY RECORD, 10/15).
