Mackie has fought back from being put out on loan to Caley Thistle last season by former boss Steve Paterson with a haul of 8 goals so far this campaign, only 1 goal short of his season's best total for the Dons of 9 in season 2000/2001. The speedy striker has accepted a new contract at Pittodrie that will see him stay until at least 2007.
Calderwood said yesterday: "I always rated him when I was at Dunfermline. He has the pace to hurt defences and scores goals - he has done everything asked of him. The only doubt I had was how the crowds would react to him. Strange as it may seem, local lads always get a harder time from fans than the other players. But he's done so well that he's silenced his critics - he's earned this two-year deal. And once better players are brought in, he will blossom even further."
Meanwhile, Foster has been handed a 12-month extension to his contract. It has been swings and roundabouts for the wing wizard this season with a good spell for the Dons around November last year topped off with an excellent Scotland Under-21 showing landing the plaudits at his door. However, an utterly anonymous and lightweight performance against the rough ogres of rangers on Sunday left many fans questioning his worth to the team. However, there is no doubting his talent and now he has the chance to prove himself at Aberdeen.
Furthermore, Mikka and Markus Paatelainen, younger brothers of legendary Dons striker Mixu, are reported to have signed 6 month deals similar to Thorirann Kristjansson's after impressing while on trial.