Aberdeen goalkeeper Joe Lewis is determined to build on his impressive debut season at Pittodrie.
The Englishman was the only member of Derek McInnes’ squad to play every single minute of the club’s 53 matches last season.
Lewis, 29, kept 21 clean sheets and conceded only 47 goals during an excellent campaign which earned him a place in the SPFL’s team of the season.
After helping the Dons to a second-place finish in the Scottish Premiership and two cup finals in his first season at Pittodrie, Lewis is optimistic about the future and the former Cardiff City and Peterborough goalkeeper said: “I thoroughly enjoyed my first season as everyone at the club made it really easy from the start.
“It is a very well-run club and everything is in place to help the players do the business on the pitch.
“It was hard with the way the season ended with the cup final defeat against Celtic – a cruel end to the season.
“But I think we can reflect on it now and be proud of what we did.
“We have got a good group of players at the club and there will be some new ones coming in so we are looking forward to the new season.”
The Dons will begin the Scottish Premiership campaign with a home match against Hamilton Accies on Saturday, August 5.
Derek McInnes’ side will then travel to face Ross County at Dingwall a week later before hosting Dundee on Saturday, August 19.
McInnes’ men will return to pre-season training on Monday and the manager said: “I’m delighted we open our campaign at home and I always enjoy being at home for the first game of the season.
“It is a really strong league this season and there are some great matches in prospect.”
Former Aberdeen captain Ryan Jack, who joined Rangers earlier this month, will line up against his former team-mates for the first time when the Dons travel to Ibrox on Saturday, October 21.
The Dons will face champions Celtic and another familiar face in Jonny Hayes four days later when Brendan Rodgers’ team visits Pittodrie.
Aberdeen will also take on both Old Firm sides in December with Rangers coming to Pittodrie on Saturday, December 2 before the Dons make a pre-Christmas trip to the east end of Glasgow to face Celtic on Saturday, December 23.
Aberdeen will take on Brechin City in a pre-season friendly at Glebe Park on Sunday, July 23 at 2pm.
