If Aberdeen can get the finances together to make it happen, bringing Jonny Hayes back to the club is a no-brainer.
I was surprised when Jonny announced he was leaving Celtic at the weekend.
He was never a regular starter in the Hoops team, but he was a very useful squad member, whether deployed as an attack-minded left back or in midfield.
Jonny felt there was an understanding with Neil Lennon that he was probably going to get a new deal, but perhaps the financial situation has changed as a result of the shutdown.
Leaving Celtic might be a good for him. He did a good job for Celtic and never let anyone down when he was trusted to play in big games.
Most people will view Aberdeen as a likely destination for him because he loves the club and played the best football of his career under Derek McInnes.
It may not happen as the Aberdeen manager has outlined the difficult financial predicament his club are in due to the coronavirus crisis.
With no match-day income expected this year, McInnes has admitted the funds may not be there to bring new players to the club.
But if Aberdeen can make it happen then they should try because Jonny knows the club inside out and he may be the difference between a good season and an average one.
He is 32 but he will be in great shape as he has been at a good club over the past few years.
He would be coming back as a better player as he will have picked up a lot of good habits from working alongside some top players and under managers such as Brendan Rodgers and Neil Lennon.
Ryan Christie has made enormous progress during his spell at Celtic and I’m sure Jonny will also feel he is a better player for the experience.
Preston North End, Stoke City and Cardiff City are among the clubs who are apparently considering a move for Jonny.
He would certainly be able to earn more money if he moves south, especially given the current climate in Scottish football.
But it depends what Jonny’s priorities are.
He may fancy another crack at English football but he will know if he signs somewhere like Preston on a two-year deal it may be unlikely to get an extension at 34. Is it worth moving your family down there for two years? He knows the Aberdeen area and he may be at the stage of his career where he wants to play football in a place where his family may be looking to settle in the longer term.
I’m sure if a Pittodrie return is possible, Derek McInnes will try to make it happen.
Caley Jags face tough fight
I have enjoyed reading some of the articles to mark the anniversary Caley Thistle’s Scottish Cup triumph.
It is amazing to think it is five years since that Hampden victory over Falkirk. It was a great day for the club.
A lot has happened since that high point and unfortunately Caley Thistle now find themselves in a much more challenging position.
Only two years after their Hampden heroics, the club were relegated to the Championship and they haven’t managed to make their way back to the top flight.
They are going to find it more difficult than teams such as Hearts and Dundee United who drop down the league because they don’t possess the same level of finances.
I always felt the best opportunity was the first season they dropped down as they managed to keep the majority of their team. Unfortunately they weren’t able to bounce straight back up and it has become harder every year.
It has always been difficult to attract good players to make the move to the Highlands and that is even more so the case when they aren’t playing in the top tier.
I still think Caley Thistle should be in the top two or three in the Championship and pushing hard for promotion, but the financial challenges that are on the horizon are going to prove a massive obstacle.
Fond memories of Clach stalwart
I was sad to hear about the death of former Clachnacuddin stalwart Charlie Kennedy.
He was my first coach at Clach when I was coming through the ranks.
He was a very likeable guy and a brilliant coach.
I was at Clach in 1981 and played for a couple of years. Charlie was the assistant manager to Billy Robertson at the time.
Charlie was the first coach who really taught me about positional play and how to use your body to shield the ball and gain an advantage.
Tributes to formidable and prolific Highland League star Charlie Kennedy
He also played up front with my brother Dave so he had a hand in both of our careers.
More recently, I would see Charlie regularly at Caley Thistle games.
We won the League Cup during that period, which remains a fond memory.