Defensively, Jimmy Calderwood’s side were very strong, but a lack of bite in front of goal cost them dear Darren Mackie was the only Dons player to reach double figures in the league, and Calderwood has been frustrated in his efforts to lure a new striker to the club.

His attempts to sign Lee Miller, Kris Boyd and Steve Loveli have all fallen through.

During the summer manager Jimmy Calderwood rejected a move to manage Derby of the Coca Cola English League One Championship, even though money is very tight at the club. He continues to be restricted in the transfer market as there are severe money and cash flow problems at Pittodrie. The club is laboring under £9 million worth of debt and Calderwood's request for a £750,000 transfer pot was turned dismissed by owner Stewart Milne.
 

Calderwood has gone back to his old club Dunfermline to snap up influential midfielder Barry Nicholson, while striker Steve Lovell has moved to Pittodrie after averaging almost a goal every two starts for relegated Dundee. Exx Celtic wingman Jamie Smith has also returned to the SPL after a year in Holland with Den Haag. Legia Warsaw striker Piotr Wlodarcryk is a target after scoring four times in two pre-season friendlies as a trialjst.

They had the edge over third-placed Hibs in last season’s head-to-heads and start favourites in the betting without the Old Firm.

Another good season at the back and a better performance in front of goal should see them improve.