The Dons returned from their winter break in impressive fashion, turning in an aggressive, confident performance against Rangers which should have produced a merited victory.
They might have got it had referee Kevin Clancy awarded a penalty for Allan McGregor’s first half challenge on Ryan Hedges, although I was not as convinced as many others that it was a spot kick.
A more clinical approach in the box would also have helped, the players spurned a number of decent opportunities, and it is no surprise that the management are attempting to bring in a reliable goalscorer before the end of the month.
As the club discovered 12 months ago, that is not easy in January, but I gather they are pulling out all the stops in a bid to find the marksman who might just make all the difference in the coming months.
It was interesting to note the recall from his loan spell at Falkirk of Michael Ruth, but while the youngster might get some game time, it would be unfair to expect him to provide the answer given his inexperience.
This is where Allan Russell should come into his own.
Given his background, where he has worked, and the network he must have established, there is good reason to expect Allan to be able to come up with a few alternatives.
Identifying them is one thing, securing any deals is another, but the Dons should be in a place where they can attract promising alternatives, even if it is on a short-term basis.
The striking issue was not properly addressed last summer. Christian Ramirez has been a good addition, Jay Emmanuel-Thomas has not, but they were the only real options for the manager at the end of the last window, and the team’s fortunes have suffered as a result.
Getting it right this time, or on a more long-term basis at the end of the season, will be key to Stephen Glass’ hopes of a successful time in charge at Pittodrie.
Aside from that problem, it was an excellent display in midweek with plenty reasons to be optimistic if the form can be maintained.
Teddy Jenks continues to flourish, Jonny Hayes was more like the player we came to love, and the central defence – a concern for much of the campaign – looked solid, other than the moment of slackness which led to Hagi’s opener. It has taken a while, but Ross McCrorie and David Bates do look to have formed a decent partnership.
Scott Brown continues to drive on the team, I loved his swagger throughout, and he certainly played a big part in the performance.
There is over a week left of the window and the level of activity will be interesting to monitor.
As far as I understand, Blackburn Rovers still haven’t made an official approach for Ryan Hedges, and the uncertainty surrounding him, Lewis Ferguson and Calvin Ramsay is doing no-one any good. The longer it goes, the more desperate the manager will be to get to the deadline without any further departures.
Derek McInnes suffered 12 months ago and had to scurry around in the final 48 hours bringing replacements in, a scenario Stephen will be keen to avoid.
Tension in Tayside
Not so long ago, Aberdeen and Hibernian were vying for the title of crisis club in the Premiership. Their fortunes have since improved with the Tayside trio of Dundee, Dundee United and St Johnstone taking their place.
James McPake and Tam Courts admitted midweek that their sides are under pressure, and they are going to have to quickly arrest their slides. McPake in particular has reason to fear for his job.
But it’s the Perth Saints who have most grounds to worry right now, and the head-to-head with Dundee next Wednesday looks like being a fraught occasion.
Lose that, and the unimaginable scenario of the double Cup winners being relegated becomes a genuine possibility.
It’s a stark reminder of how precarious an occupation football management can be. Just a few short months ago, Callum Davidson was rightly being touted for bigger things; now, he’s fighting for survival.
I would expect St Johnstone to do so, but that can in no way be guaranteed.
