seasons review

A win today gives us every chance of 7th place, but while that would represent an improvement on three successive 9ths, it is hardly something to celebrate.

More importantly, it would extend Derek McInnes’ unbeaten start to his managerial career and at least see the season end on a positive note.

Derek has hit the headlines in the past week after announcing his list of Pittodrie departures and from what I’ve seen, there has been a generally positive response from the fans. I was a little surprised by a couple of the names – I’d have liked to see both Gavin Rae and Isaac Osbourne remain – but the manager obviously feels he needs a major clear-out, and there will be a real freshness to the squad when 2013/14 gets underway.

He has a very important summer ahead, and given his extensive contacts book, I would anticipate some pretty exciting signings in the coming weeks. In addition to the new faces, there are some young talents – the likes of Cammy Smith and Declan McManus – ready to play a bigger part in the first team, and I would hope they, allied to the players who remain, will ensure that much more positive and enjoyable time lies ahead next season.

I have admittedly said similar things in the past, but perhaps this year it will actually happen. One thing is certain.

Derek and his assistant Tony Docherty will be doing all they can to bring success back to our club; if they fail to do so, it won’t be for the lack of effort and ambition. On a different subject, over the past couple of weeks it has been my pleasure to host two Dons-related events.

First up was the club’s Player of the Year Dinner at the AECC. I’m sure you’ll all be aware by now of who won what, but I’d just like to repeat my congratulations to all the winners, particularly Niall McGinn who, unsurprisingly, scooped both main awards.

He made it clear on the night that he’d be happy to sign a new extended contract and I would hope the club are working hard to that end. The event was fantastic, a really positive occasion, and it left me pondering just what it would be like if we actually had something to celebrate! It was a chance for the various companies who inject much needed finance into the club to get their reward too, an opportunity for them and their clients to mingle with the players, and a special mention must be made of the larger-than-life Martyn Watts of Universal Inspection (UK) Ltd, who sponsored the event, for his contribution.

Last weekend was of course the 30th anniversary of you know what, and we had the Stand Free Dinner at the Tree Tops. Eight of the Gothenburg Greats attended and they had the 500 or so guests captivated as they related tales of that team and its successes. The evening ended with them on the stage and the rest of us surrounding it as we belted out ‘European Song’. Grown men were seen to cry!

That event was organised in the main by Graham Fyfe and Alan Moir of Fyfe Moir & Associates. They have also been incredible supporters of the club, raising significant sums of money, all of which goes directly towards helping to finance the youth development system. Almost £40,000 was collected on the night, money which will be put to good use by Neil Simpson and his team as they continue to strive to produce the Dons stars of the future.

Enjoy your summer!

Enjoy your summer!

Enjoy your summer!