Kari Arnason's goal at Ibrox was a thing of beauty for every Dons fan. The run and pass from Chris Clark, the jink inside from Arnie and the vision to curl the ball around two Rangers defenders and into the corner past a despairing Alan McGregor was a joy to watch.

The strike increased the pressure on the club to get Arnason signed on a long term contract. Sadly on Wednesday we broke the news that the midfielder had rejected an improved offer to stay. It's a long time since one player created such a buzz at Pittodrie. He's a hero to the Red Army and they'd have liked nothing better than to see him tied to the club for the next two to three years.

But was it ever a realistic proposition?

Arnason's performances have been of such a standard that he'll have attracted a wave of interest from clubs around Europe. His versatility at being able to play as an excellent central defender allied to his exceptional displays in the midfield make him a great addition to any squad, especially on a Bosman.

None of us know the wage demands Arnie would want to stay, and in truth that's the player's own business. If it was likely to be greatly more than the top wage already at the club then the board had the decision to make over whether they broke the wage structure for one player.

The Dons supporters would probably want the Board to do that, as there's no doubt he's an exceptional talent and one Craig Brown could build a team around. However, that could set a precedent that could cause untold trouble in a dressing room that's got a great morale building more and more with every game.

It could also cause financial difficulty for the club. Paying players more money than you can afford (or not paying wages at all in some cases) is a recipe for disaster and there's clubs in the SPL already on the brink because of their desire to gamble financially with their future.

The "Keep Arnie and Kari On" campaign from fans shows how much they've taken the Icelandic star to their hearts and there's no doubt the midfielder is enjoying his time at the club. But negotiations did not go the way supporters wanted and Arnie has decided to move on this summer. It is a massive blow to the fans, but it's not fair to blame either the player or the Aberdeen Board.

It's a short career for a player and if he's offered a bigger deal than the Dons can afford to pay then there's absolutely nothing the club can do about that.

While Arnie is still at the club he will still give 100% every week and whatever happens, the Icelander will be a favourite with the Red Army long after he leaves the club.