Aberdeen 'need one squad for the Premiership and one for Europe'

BBC News

28-06-2025

Aberdeen fans, we asked you how Jimmy Thelin should build on the momentum gathered by that Scottish Cup wins. Here's a taste of what you had to say...Douglas: With pacy wingers such a big part of our game, it's a no-brainier we need a top-notch six-yard box finisher. Midfield alternatives to the excellent Graeme Shinnie and Sivert Heltne Nielsen must be on the horizon. A Jamie McGrath-type playmaker too.Gordon: By building a strong squad of real quality players and probably a different tactical set up. Overall 4-2-3-1 hasn't worked for us. We can't afford two out-and-out wingers as that always leaves us a man short in midfield. Also, you can't build a goal-scoring partnership when you always play a lone striker. For me, 4-4-2 gives the team more solidity and shape, Topi Keskinen on left of midfield and Nicolas Milanovic on the right with Shayden Morris as the impact sub.Steve: They'll need one squad for the Premiership and one for Europe, with a tweaking between the two. We saw last time in Europe, we more or less played the same team on the Thursday and Sunday, leading to players being burned out, losing the momentum we'd shown the second half of the season prior. It will all come down to money - what's left in the pot now? Prioritise what you want, a good run in Europe or finish as high up the league as possible? If we could only try and get Miovski back on loan!Anthony: The second-half of last season was an absolute disaster due to tactical rigidity. There have been many new names but it remains to be seen whether the Dons tactical approach will become more flexible. The first three games will be most instructive. European may be a distraction that earns money.Arch: Building momentum will need a larger and better quality squad to handle both Europe and the league. Both Hearts and the Dons have fallen over in this respect in recent years. Better defenders are essential, as are sharper strikers and a stronger midfield. Thelin has done a great job in his first season, taking the club from nowhere to a major domestic trophy and European group stage football. If there's a problem it won't be the manager.Chris: All we seem to do is to sign non-Scottish players. We had a half-hearted attempt to sign [Lyall Cameron], who went to Rangers. Yes, we have signed some good players but not all of them are good. What could be even worse is seeing Bojan Miovski coming back in green and white hoops!If I was Thelin I would try to prize Simon Murray away from Dundee - he could do a good job for us.