And AFC manager faces the twin burdens of history and fan expectation folowing the club's successful spell in the 1980s.
There are constant reminders of that period, such as Aberdeen bus company's competition to name one of their buses after a Dons legend 30 years after the club's 2-1 European Cup Winners Cup victory over Real Madrid.
But Derek McInnes does not fear the pressure that managers have faced at Pittodrie - he is relishing it.
"It's part of the reason I want to be here and want to be manager," he told Sky Sports. "Our supporters crave being up near the top of the table and challenging up there.
"I'm not saying winning the league but they would like to see us in cup finals and competing for European spots. Hopefully this season we can see that improvement."