Opening Day Anticlimax

Despite much in the way of pre-season optimism at Pittodrie it was ultimately disappointment for Aberdeen in their home fixture against St Johnstone, as the ten man Dons slumped to a 0-0 draw. Despite the less than thrilling result there were some reasons for positivity from Craig Brown's men, who dominated the proceedings.

Despite hints in pre-season that he would revert to a 3-5-2 formation, the Aberdeen boss reverted to a more familiar 4-4-2 shape with new captain Richard Foster occupying the left hand side of defence and Darren Mackie partnering Scott Vernon up front. Encouragingly for Dons fans, Fraser Fyvie started in midfield after a long lay off last season and looked bright, coming desperately close to scoring with a lofted cross shot. Richard Foster also came close with a long range banana shot and a free kick, but the fact that much of the teams adventurous play was coming from their much maligned left back will not dissuade many fans fears that their team is lacking in flair. The need for reinforcements up front was also reinforced by the misadventures of Darren Mackie and Josh Magennis, both of whom missed gilt edged chances despite looking industrious. Ryan Jack's red card will also come as a blow, with few obvious replacements at right back. Refreshingly though it came not due to stupidity or petulance but enthusiasm, with Jack earning a straight red for a late lunge on Murray Davidson.

While a clean sheet is an encouraging sign for a team plagued by defensive malaise last season, the need for reinforcements up front has been emphasized by their bluntness up front. While Scott Vernon is not yet fully fit, Darren Mackie's limitations are well publicized and Craig Brown's other options are all very raw.

A draw is not the end of the world, but the Dons need to start getting points on the board with difficult fixtures against the Old Firm looming. This Saturday's trip to St Mirren would be an excellent place to start.

Aberdeen FC: Season Preview 2011/2012

While the kick-off of the new SPL season seems to come around sooner every year, this time around it is genuinely the case as the first round of new fixtures is played on the baffling early date of July 22nd. Whatever your feelings on the early kick off, it is great to have some competitive football to watch again, particularly with the promise of a half-decent Aberdeen side this season. My optimism is cautious - lest we forget the first day thumping of Hamilton last season that brought about jubilant scenes among Dons fans. The fact that that fixture acted as a precursor for one of the most depressing and embarassing seasons in living memory means that any success in the early stages this time around will be laced with pessimism. Nevertheless, in Craig Brown we have a gaffer with a wealth of experience who did a good job steadying the ship last season. Whether he can kick on and bring Aberdeen the top six finish that they should be aiming for is another question.

Goalkeepers

Despite the unfortunate illness suffered by number one shot stopper Jamie Langfield, Aberdeen's last line of defense seems to be in a relatively healthy state. With experienced International goalkeeper David Gonzalez coming in on loan from Manchester City and former Blackburn reserve Jason Brown joining on a free, there should be a healthy amount of competition between the sticks even before Langfield's return. Both Gonzalez and Brown are untested at SPL level but their pedigree suggests that they should both be accomplished keepers for Aberdeen.

Defence

Arguably the weakest area of Aberdeen's side last year was the defense, and with relatively few new signings you could be forgiven for being pessimistic about signs of improvement. Nevertheless, Youl Mawene looks to be a good signing and will bring some much needed experience to the centre of defence, aiding Rory McArdle and Andrew Considine who have both looked impressive at times, if inconsistent during their respective Dons careers. 19 year old Irishman Joe Shaughnessy has made just one appearance for the Dons as yet, but has come into the first team this season and should provide cover. Of course this is without mentioning Kari Arnason, who signed on a free from Plymouth this month is currently lacking in match fitness but could turn out in a number of positions, one of them being centre back.

At full back Aberdeen's squad yet again looks decidedly more uncertain, with new captain Richard Foster seeming the only certain incumbent of the position. Youngsters Clark Robertson and Ryan Jack have turned out there as well as versatile new signing Chris Clark. While Craig Brown has spoken of his hope of turning Steven Smith's loan deal into a permanent one, the Norwich City left back now looks to be out of the clubs price range.

Despite there seeming to be a dearth of options at either side, this may not be as big a problem as it first seems if Craig Brown is to opt for a somewhat unusual 3-5-2 formation. The set-up was trialed in the shambolic 4-1 cup reverse against Celtic last season, and despite that setback Brown has persisted with a back three in pre-season and it would be no surprise if the Dons lined up in that style on Saturday.

Midfield

As with at the back, Aberdeen boast comparative riches in the centre of midfield when compared to out wide. While the departure of Sone Aluko has been offset by the signing of Chris Clark, the versatile midfielder may be required in defence, leaving the squad looking decidedly bare on the wings. Peter Pawlett at least looks to be putting his injury woes behind him, and impressed against Villarreal on Tuesday night. However, along with Chris Clark and Ryan Jack he appears one of very few options in his position and should Craig Brown choose to play with wingers he will undoubtedly be key to Aberdeen's success. Strikers Darren Mackie, Michael Paton and Josh Magennis have all played on the wing at various points, but all will be hoping that their eventual position lies up front.

The side looks comparitively well stocked in the centre of midfield. One of last seasons few success stories Robert Milsom has signed a two year deal and should compete for a place with summer signing Isaac Osbourne and forgotten man Yoan Folly who should be back in the side once he returns to full fitness. Of course this is without mentioning young starlet Fraser Fyvie, who is also returning to the first team after a long lay off, as well as Ryan Jack who can play in the centre as well as out wide. With Nicky Low and the highly rated youngster Jack Grimmer waiting in the wings, Aberdeen should have few worries in the centre of the pitch. Indeed, I would not be surprised were Craig Brown to line his side up with three in the middle, whether that be in a 4-3-3 or a 3-5-2 shape.

Up Front

Aside from last seasons top scorer Scott Vernon, Aberdeen's striking situation seems uncertain. With a replacement for Chris Maguire looking unlikely his reinforcements may be limited the oft-pilloried Darren Mackie and the raw trio of Michael Paton, Josh Magennis and Mitchel Megginson. With none of them a regular scorer at SPL level, the goalscoring burden on Scott Vernon may be rather large, and one of them may need to step up to the plate. Darren Mackie has recently pledged to score 100 goals for Aberdeen, and however unlikely that seems he may be the most viable option. Already off the mark in the pre-season he has made regular appearances including one as captain, and may be the man to partner Vernon.

While there is some cautious optimism on my side, it is difficult to deny the holes in the Dons squad. While full back has been strengthened since last seasons pre-season of madness, the squad looks weaker out wide and up front and seems sorely lacking in goal threat. It may be up to the youngsters to come in and show their often underachieving seniors how its done - but then I say that every year...

My Prediction: A cautious 6th Place

Richard Foster Named New Dons Skipper

Craig Brown has this afternoon confirmed that Richard Foster will captain Aberdeen in the forthcoming 2010/2011 season. Foster, who has made 212 league appearances in a seven year spell at the club, spent last season on loan at Rangers, where he made 15 league appearances. Foster's stint at Ibrox could make him a divisive choice among some fans, but it is difficult to see any better options among the senior Dons players. Striker Darren Mackie wore the armband for the 3-1 friendly victory over Brechin on Friday night, but Foster's appointment looks to be a confirmation that the versatile full back will play a key role for Aberdeen in the coming season. As of yet no Vice-Captain has been announced but Andrew Considine and Darren Mackie seem the most likely options.

Maguire On His Way

After weeks of protracted negotiations Derby County and Aberdeen have finally settled on a compensation fee for the 22 year old forward Chris Maguire. Maguire, who has earned two full Scottish caps, was in the final year of his contract and his departure from the club has seemed inevitable for much of a disappointing year for the Dons, where Maguire was one of the few bright sparks contributing 12 goals and 9 assists despite often being deployed out wide. The fee for Maguire looks to be around £350-400k, and has been awarded to Aberdeen for their crucial role in the players development.

While Maguire's departure certainly leaves a gaping hole in the Aberdeen squad, Craig Brown has claimed that a replacement is not a necessity, although if the right player becomes available he could make a move.

Three In For The Dons

Aberdeen are expected to announce the signing of three new players later today, goalkeeper David Gonzalez Gilardo from Manchester City on a six month loan deal, as well as midfielders Chris Clark and Isaac Osbourne who sign on free transfers from Plymouth and Coventry respectively. Clark in particular will be a familiar face for Dons fans, having spent 11 years at the club from 1997 to 2008, before earning a £150,000 move to Plymouth Argle.

While Kilmarnock had been considered favourites to resign Clark, the 30 year old midfielder has opted to rejoin the Dons. Clark is a versatile player, who has turned out on either side of midfield or at full back throughout his career. It is unclear where he will slot in at Pittodrie, but he could be seen as a replacement for Nigerian left winger Sone Aluko who is expected to leave this summer. Ironically enough Aluko took on Clark's number 11 shirt when he originally left for Plymouth, and Clark could now reclaim it on his return to the club.

Isaac Osbourne, brother of former Aston Villa midfielder Isaiah Osbourne signs after spending weeks at the club on trial, presumably to convince them of his fitness after an injury plagued career in which he has made just 122 senior appearances. Osbourne, primarily a central midfielder was released by Coventry City at the end of last season and could be seen as a replacement for former Dons captain Paul Hartley.

Gonzalez has arguably the greatest pedigree of the three, the 28 year old goalkeeper having made two international appearances for Columbia. Although he spent time on loan at Leeds at the tail end of last season, he failed to make a first team appearance despite impressing the coaching staff at the club with his professionalism. Gonzalez is likely to be a short time replacement for first choice goalkeeper Jamie Langfield, who looks to miss the start of the season while recovering from a seizure.

Brown on the Lookout

With last seasons 20 English Premier League clubs announcing the players that they have chosen to release, Craig Brown will no doubt have tilted his gaze south of the border. Although players at the high end of spectrum such as Jonathon Woodgate, James McFadden and Owen Hargreaves are clearly out of the Dons reach, there are a number of interesting names on the list that while not obviously unattainable, would go some way towards strengthening last seasons heavily weakened Aberdeen side.

Despite the signing of experienced Frenchman Youl Mawene, the Aberdeen backline is still in sore need of bolstering, with experienced reinforcements needed to supplement the likes of Andrew Considine and Rory McArdle. Despite often being lambasted for his poor performances for the Scottish National Team, Steven Caldwell, formerly of Wigan would be an ambitious capture. Boasting years of experience at the highest level, Caldwell has been linked with former club Leeds United and would most likely be out of Aberdeen's financial reach.

A more realistic contender would be Manchester City's versatile full back Javan Vidal. Primarily a right sided full back, the Manchester born 22 year old impressed during a year on loan at Pittodrie in 2009, making 13 league appearances. Most recently turning out for English League Two side Chesterfield, Vidal is sure to be on Craig Brown's radar.

While Brown himself has admitted that a replacement for Derby County bound forward Chris Maguire is not a priority, he has said that if the right player becomes available it would be a possibility. 21 year old English striker Kieran Agard was released yesterday by Everton and has SPL experience after a brief loan spell at Kilmarnock last season. While he is seriously unproven having made only 9 senior appearances in his brief career, Agard could be seen as the man to provided much needed competition for places up front.

Perhaps the most pressing concern for Aberdeen is the need for a second goalkeeper, with Jamie Langfield having recently suffered a seizure and likely to be sidelined until September. Perpetually out on loan Scottish goalkeeper Iain Turner would be an able deputy and would probably be able to compete with Langfield for the number one jersey, though it would most likely be too costly to sign him and retain Langfield. 29 year old Welsh goalkeeper Jason Brown would may be a more affordable target. Released by Blackburn he has sizable experience as an understudy and as a player coming into the prime of his career would see a move to Aberdeen as an opportunity to earn a regular starting berth.

While many would see trawling through players deemed replaceable at Premier League sides as a waste of time, the successful January acquisition of Robert Milsom on a free from Fulham has shown that there is quality to be found among players found wanting at the highest level.

Why I Love Darren Mackie

Every team needs a Darren Mackie. While the Inverurie born striker's raw footballing ability is perhaps questionable, his commitment to Aberdeen Football Club is not up for debate. A brief loan spell at nearby Inverness aside, Mackie has spent his entire footballing career at Pittodrie, scoring 56 goals in 294 league appearances. Despite this relatively modest strike rate, Mackie is able to boast the title of Aberdeen's all time leading SPL goalscorer, although this is a statistic borne perhaps more from lack of competition than anything else.

Despite this distinguished accolade, Mackie is often a much maligned figure among Aberdeen fans, with his regular contract extensions being greeted by howls of derision. To be fiar to the naysayers, Mackie is far from the most elegant of strikers. His first touch has more in common with a pass and his attempts to get the ball under control can be as frustrating as they are endearing. However, despite lacking one of the fundamental requirements of a top level footballer, Mackie is not without his talents. Although his all too frequent injuries have taken their toll, he is far from slow and never stops running. He is as enthusiastic as a puppy and never shies away from a challenge, possessing an aggressive streak that belies his modest physique. In short - Mackie is a workhorse who would run through brick walls for his beloved Aberdeen.

The bottom line is that if all players had Darren Mackie's attitude to the game then football would be a better sport, particularly for fans of the more modest clubs such as Aberdeen. It's true that Mackie has most likely never been the subject of too many big money transfers, but given his many spells on the sidelines were he cut of a different cloth he would have angled for a transfer a long time ago. How many other players have managed to break the ten goal season barrier for us more than once? And from those who have managed it how many have stayed, and how many have failed to resist the bright lights of the English Championship (I'm looking at you Lee Miller, lavish transfer fee or not!)

Whether he manages to recapture his best form or not, I think that Darren is an example to follow for some of our younger stars, at least if we want them to remain loyal to Aberdeen. He may not be the most fashionable of players but he has provided the Aberdeen faithful with countless happy memories over his career. How many other players in the recent past can share in that sentiment?

Get well soon Dazzler.