ABERDEEN could be facing a second summer clear-out in a row, with club legend and Director of Football Willie Miller standing firm on contract offers.
Club captain Scott Severin, Copenhagen hero Jamie Smith, versatile defender Lee Mair, random forward Darren Mackie and First Division midfielder Derek Young have received what Miller believes are realistic offers to stay at Pittodrie.
The club has reduced debt from £12m to under £7m during Miller's time in charge of football operations, on the back of reduced player budgets and - despite this - improved results on the pitch.
But Severin, who has played 177 games for the Dons scoring 11 goals, is reported to be the first to reject terms and could be set to leave the club in his second season as captain.
Dons hero Miller said: "The club has made what we feel are very reasonable offers.
"The ball is in the players' court now because these offers will not be increased."
Dons boss Jimmy Calderwood still believes that some of the contract rebels may stay, and knows it is not the end of the world if they all leave.
Calderwood said: "Willie has spoken to everyone who is out of contract in the summer but I have never known a player yet who has signed right away.
"They've had their offers and it's up to the individuals and their agents to decide whether or not they'll accept them."
