Aberdeen captain Ryan Jack believes the Dons have silenced the doubters with the impressive end to 2016.
Manager Derek McInnes and his players were criticised by a section of the Dons support after an abject showing in the Betfred Cup final against Celtic and defeats to Rangers and Ross County.
But the Dons ended the year in fine style with victories against Motherwell, Hamilton and Hearts ahead of the three-week winter shutdown.
Jack said criticism of the team did not go unnoticed by the players – but feels they have responded in the best way possible.
The 24-year-old said: “We want to finish as high up the league as we can and get a good Scottish Cup run. It’s the hardest thing to take as a footballer when someone questions our appetite for the game.
“We never ever go on the pitch to lose. We always set out to win. We won’t do that every week. Some things or decisions can go against us, form can be up and down. The criticism came, we took it on the chin and responded in the right way, as I knew we would.
“We wanted to get more points this month, but the performances against Ross County and Rangers weren’t bad.
“A lot of people were criticising and had a lot to say, but we’ve answered them perfectly with three wins in a row.
“We thought we could win them all the games and we’ve done that. I try to ignore it but I see it. I live in the city and my family are from the city.
“There’s always criticism and that’s part of football. It’s part of the sport we’re in. There’s an expectation and I wouldn’t have it any other way but I think the criticism was harsh. The performances were fine, we just didn’t get the results.”
Jack is among the Aberdeen players whose contracts expire at the end of the season but insists he remains fully committed to the club.
He said: “We’ve had a busy December with a lot going on. I’m going to spend time with the family and I’m sure when the time is right the manager will sort that side of things out.
“When I come to that bridge I’ll cross it but right now I’m focusing on doing as well as I can for Aberdeen.
“I get the sense the players want to stay. We’ve just won three in a row after being criticised. If we weren’t committed that wouldn’t have happened. We got together and wanted to put things right. Everyone is committed to the club. I’m sure when the time is right people will sort out their futures.”
Aberdeen defender Callum Morris has been released without making a single appearance for the Dons. The 26-year-old joined from Dundee United.
