Football Season Guide

Aberdeen

In


Johnny Hayes (mid) Celtic

Out


Out: Frank Ross (mid) free agent; Danny Rogers (gk) Jon Gallagher (mid) Atlanta (end of loan), Greg Leigh (def) NAC Breda (end of loan),

Aberdeen struggled for consistency last season but only missed out on third place by two points. The club saw new investment from America and took foreign signings from partner club Atlanta but failed to integrate them into the squad effectively. Advanced through two rounds of Europa qualifying but lost out to Croatians Rijeka. Aside from one dominant spell in October/November, the club failed to put together two consecutive wins at any point in the season. Struggled in attack at the back end of last season with Cosgrove and Main failing to make an impact and Aberdeen going a four game spell without scoring over January/February. Johnny Hayes is Aberdeen’s only signing so far, but he is a significant one. He is a fan favourite and returns to the club following two years at Celtic and provides the team with some much needed quality. The Dons failed to reinforce in attack but expect to bring in loan signings in coming weeks. Third place could be a realistic option but Aberdeen will need to improve attacking options to make the space their own. With best of the rest rivals Motherwell, Kilmarnock and Livingston all improving. Defence was a strength with Aberdeen’s goals against record the third best in the league. Logan and Consindine standout performers and Hayes will only help them improve in this area.

Target


Third place and strong performances in cup competitions. No chance of challenging the ever improving Old Firm, but could build on partnership and bring in unexpected foreign signings.