The SFA were quite content to let the story run. They knew the facts, they knew the media fantasy. It took a further statement from Hearts on Wednesday to force the SFA into action.
No one in that Hearts squad had come anywhere close to winning the SPFL. What they needed was a calm authoritative manager to guide them and keep them focussed.
It was McInnes with the microphone. He was singing The Billy Boys with passion and pride. He knows the words, even a few personal twists.
Kilmarnock’s Derek McInnes remains another potential candidate and this one really would have interested Smith, who was always more than happy to act as a mentor and sounding board for his former player.
McInnes’ complaints has taken attention away from Kilmarnock’s impressive start to the season.
Beale came in last December, won 17 matches in a row outside the games against Celtic then fell to their first defeat at Aberdeen. Today they fell at the first hurdle with the pressure on.