Countdown to the new season: How will Aberdeen do?
By Neil Ritchie:
No question Aberdeen had an incredibly disappointing campaign in 2011/12. Injuries to key players didn’t help, and a few players misfired regularly which all resulted in a lack of goals. Doesn’t need Enstein to tell you that a lack of goals won’t win you many matches.
Craig Brown took justified criticism for a negative tactical approach that starved Scott Vernon of service, and that has to change for the Dons to prosper this season. Brown has signalled what is hoped will be seen as attacking intent. The signings of Niall McGinn and Jonny Hayes are exciting ones, and the thought of them on opposing flanks should provide the service for Vernon to fire once again.
Craig Brown took justified criticism for a negative tactical approach that starved Scott Vernon of service, and that has to change for the Dons to prosper this season. Brown has signalled what is hoped will be seen as attacking intent. The signings of Niall McGinn and Jonny Hayes are exciting ones, and the thought of them on opposing flanks should provide the service for Vernon to fire once again.
Twenty goals is a realistic target for Vernon. Big question is, can he do it on his own?
Last season saw a number of players partner him up front, none of whom were particularly prolific. The departure of Darren Mackie, Mo Chalali and Daniel Ucechi should open the door for Declan McManus, who was top scorer for the under 19s last season. If Rory Fallon, Mitch Megginson, McGinn, Hayes and McManus can chip in with anywhere between five and ten goals in addition to Vernon’s, then a good season will be around the corner.
That said, some caution must be raised. Aberdeen have dispensed with the services of Fraser Fyvie, Yoann Folly, Youll Mawene, Rory McArdle and Mark Reynolds, leaving us fairly short defensively. Russell Anderson is back, although he’s a high injury risk, and there must be some doubt about his ability to complete a full season. We start the season with just two recognised central defenders and midfielders filling in at full back. An injury to Clark Roberston - who will miss the first month of the season - could see us start with a back four of a two midfielders and two central defenders. A out and out fullback – Gary Naysmith is on trial with the Dons in Germany – is a must. Andrew Considine finally looked the part last season, and if he performs consistently then it will take a lot of pressure off.
That said, some caution must be raised. Aberdeen have dispensed with the services of Fraser Fyvie, Yoann Folly, Youll Mawene, Rory McArdle and Mark Reynolds, leaving us fairly short defensively. Russell Anderson is back, although he’s a high injury risk, and there must be some doubt about his ability to complete a full season. We start the season with just two recognised central defenders and midfielders filling in at full back. An injury to Clark Roberston - who will miss the first month of the season - could see us start with a back four of a two midfielders and two central defenders. A out and out fullback – Gary Naysmith is on trial with the Dons in Germany – is a must. Andrew Considine finally looked the part last season, and if he performs consistently then it will take a lot of pressure off.
More goals would entice more of the Red Army to Pittodrie
Brown may also look at prising open Mr Milne’s chequebook to bring Mark Reynolds back to Pittodrie. Reynolds, with his proven SPL experience, had a solid season with us last term, and if Ryan Jack continues to develop, then he, Considine/Anderson, Reynolds and Naysmith would make a solid back four.
Rob Milsom and Isaac Osbourne both return from injury, and should make an effective central midfield pairing. The Dons missed Milsom greatly when he was lost to injury. Osbourne’s tireless running adds drive to the midfield, and he’s essential for doing the “water carrier” job as a holding midfielder. Chris Clark also offers good cover across the midfield, and at both fullback positions. His versatility will give Brown the option of moving Ryan Jack into midfield, and with the emergence of Ryan Fraser and Jamie Masson, Brown may find himself with some good options in midfield.
Despite the previously mentioned poor 2011/12, there’s renewed optimism in the North-east. Stewart Milne’s boardroom cull has removed elements that many are saying were the ones holding the club back. Indeed, since then, despite the overly mentioned talk of “financial armageddon”, the signings of Hayes and McGinn shows signs that he is ready to move the club forward to prepare for the anticipated move to a new stadium. He must realise that a successful team on the park will get the fans back in time to make the new ground a viable option.
Looking at the league however, it won’t take a huge improvement in the standard of play and results to make a big difference in league placing. All sides in the league below Celtic – who I believe will come back to the rest – are so closely matched, that the league is so tight. If the hoped for goals materialise, then I think its reasonable to expect a minimum top six finish. Motherwell, Dundee United, St Johnstone and Hearts were strong last season, but haven’t strengthened as yet. Aberdeen should look to judge themselves against Well, United and Hearts – three victories against United last season showed it's possible, and if the Dons do become more potent up front, then more points against the top three or four sides should come.
In a time of great uncertainty in the Scottish game, being able to add players of quality like McGinn and Hayes give Aberdeen a great platform to build from. Question marks do remain defensively, but if the young players continue to develop and Brown can get a full back or two, then the immediate future of the club is bright. I don’t foresee a relegation dogfight again and think challenging for the top three is realistic. Anything less than top six would be a massive disappointment.
Rob Milsom and Isaac Osbourne both return from injury, and should make an effective central midfield pairing. The Dons missed Milsom greatly when he was lost to injury. Osbourne’s tireless running adds drive to the midfield, and he’s essential for doing the “water carrier” job as a holding midfielder. Chris Clark also offers good cover across the midfield, and at both fullback positions. His versatility will give Brown the option of moving Ryan Jack into midfield, and with the emergence of Ryan Fraser and Jamie Masson, Brown may find himself with some good options in midfield.
Despite the previously mentioned poor 2011/12, there’s renewed optimism in the North-east. Stewart Milne’s boardroom cull has removed elements that many are saying were the ones holding the club back. Indeed, since then, despite the overly mentioned talk of “financial armageddon”, the signings of Hayes and McGinn shows signs that he is ready to move the club forward to prepare for the anticipated move to a new stadium. He must realise that a successful team on the park will get the fans back in time to make the new ground a viable option.
Looking at the league however, it won’t take a huge improvement in the standard of play and results to make a big difference in league placing. All sides in the league below Celtic – who I believe will come back to the rest – are so closely matched, that the league is so tight. If the hoped for goals materialise, then I think its reasonable to expect a minimum top six finish. Motherwell, Dundee United, St Johnstone and Hearts were strong last season, but haven’t strengthened as yet. Aberdeen should look to judge themselves against Well, United and Hearts – three victories against United last season showed it's possible, and if the Dons do become more potent up front, then more points against the top three or four sides should come.
In a time of great uncertainty in the Scottish game, being able to add players of quality like McGinn and Hayes give Aberdeen a great platform to build from. Question marks do remain defensively, but if the young players continue to develop and Brown can get a full back or two, then the immediate future of the club is bright. I don’t foresee a relegation dogfight again and think challenging for the top three is realistic. Anything less than top six would be a massive disappointment.
Over to you Mr Brown.
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