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ABERDEEN
Season highlight?
Despite a win against the champions and an amazing comeback against Celtic, I'm going for the 3-0 demolition of Hearts at Tynecastle. One of the few times it all clicked.
Season lowlight?
Losing to Raith in the cup at Pittodrie was awful, as was the season-opening humiliation of the Europa League hammering by Sigma Olomouc, but the hefty defeats to Hamilton, St Johnstone and, worst of all, Falkirk in the bread-and-butter of the league were shocking and pointed to real malaise at the club.
Manager’s report card?
No point beating about the bush - McGhee's had a 'mare in his first season and has a lot to do in the summer to convince the fans that he can turn it around. But he needs the board's financial help, not in terms of budget-busting blank cheques, but if McGhee wants a player the board must pull out the stops to get the funds together.
Player of the season?
It's no coincidence that the team fell to pieces after Andy Considine succumbed to injury half-way through the season, and losing stand-out talent Peter Pawlett at the same stage was similarly debilitating, so this pair would share the gong.
Expectations for next season?
Probably unrealistic, as usual (note the sarcasm...). Certainly top six, and not to be so powder-puff in the cups would be a boost.
What needs to be on the club’s summer shopping list?
The spine of the team needs some quality - I say McGhee should blow the budget on a quality creative central midfielder and a goal poacher and fill the rest of the positions with youngsters and free transfers.
Which players should the club be offloading?
It would be quicker to list who they should keep... The fans will not be shedding any tears if any of the senior players depart, up to and including the captain.
If you could give the manager one piece of advice, what would it be?
Have the courage of your own convictions.
Manager's mark out of 10: 4/10
See the published version of this list plus fans of other SPL clubs' responses to their team's performance at: http://sport.scotsman.com/newsfront.aspx?SectionID=14223, and in today's Scotsman newspaper.
