Jim Goodwin’s restructuring of his backroom team gathered pace this week with the departures of two Aberdeen support staff.
The exits of goalkeeping coach Gordon Marshall and head of medicine and sports science, Adam Stokes, did not come as a major surprise.
The latter will have come under scrutiny following what has been a heavy injury list over the past few seasons, something the club has clearly examined.
Gordon was brought in by Derek McInnes in 2015; it is entirely understandable Jim wants his own man in what is a vital position.
There has been speculation he will bring Jamie Langfield back from St Mirren, but I gather that is far from a certainty, and right now Craig Samson, as the man in possession, can stake his claim for a permanent appointment.
While the Premiership has been on hold, the manager has been burning the midnight oil at Cormack Park immersing himself in the club and its particular demands.
He has also been getting to know the players, making judgements on their futures, and casting his eye over potential new arrivals in the summer.
That will be his main priority over the next few weeks, and I fully expect to see a very different first team squad kicking off the 2022/23 campaign.
Head of recruitment Darren Mowbray has, I understand, been scouring the continent in a bid to unearth some gems. The arrival of Vicente Besuijen in January was the first tangible evidence of the work he is putting in.
Jim will need to create space in the squad, and it seems unlikely midfielders Funso Ojo and Dylan McGeouch will be offered contracts when their current deals expire in a few months’ time.
Of the others who were due to run out, Ryan Hedges and Miko Virtanen have departed, while Jonny Hayes has signed on for another year.
That leaves Andrew Considine, and I am not sure the parties are as close to agreement as has recently been claimed.
An offer has been made, but not one which is acceptable to the player, with the length of contract a sticking point. After almost 20 years at Pittodrie, the big defender has been a rock at the heart of the club, our most consistent performer over the past decade.
He remains one of the fittest and most dedicated guys in the squad and can still play a big part in Jim Goodwin’s new-look side. I would hope he will be shown the respect he deserves and will at the very least be given a clear indication as to whether he figures in the Dons’ future plans.
Eight of the squad have a year left, but there must be a question over the likes of Dean Campbell and Connor McLennan, while I will be utterly astonished if Jay Emmanuel-Thomas remains with the Dons beyond the end of this season.
Most of the younger players, and the more valuable ones, are currently on extended deals. Barron, Bates, Ferguson and Ramsay are contracted until summer 2024, MacKenzie 2025 and McCrorie and Besuijen until 2026.
Two of those – Lewis and Calvin – might attract serious offers when the window reopens. If so, and the Dons will not sell on the cheap, they will have to ensure quality replacements are lined up.
Whatever happens, it is going to be a hugely important few months as the club looks to get back on track.
🔴 What’s Lewis Ferguson worth?
⚪️ Is Dons' best midfield Fergie + Connor Barron + Ross McCrorie?
🔴 Why have Gordon Marshall and Adam Stokes left?
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A successful international break for Scotland, all things considered
While Scotland were fortunate to escape the Ernst Happel Stadion with their unbeaten run still intact, the 2-2 friendly draw with Austria did at least keep the momentum going ahead of what will be a crucial couple of weeks in June.
After three straight clean sheets, the games against Poland and Austria were a reminder defensive frailties remain, and had it not been for Craig Gordon’s heroics, the Scots would have shipped more goals in Vienna.
That apart, it was a successful international break, and Steve Clarke has assembled a group of players he can rely on for years to come.
Gordon and captain Andy Robertson are in the Hall of Fame, John McGinn and Callum McGregor will soon join them, and there are others who will almost certainly hit the 50-cap mark in the seasons ahead.
Most importantly, the country has fallen in love with the national team again and 2022 could be another exciting year.
