Aberdeen started the new season under new management. On the last day of the 2008–09 it was announced that Jimmy Calderwood and his management team would leave after five years at the club.[1] Aberdeen negotiated with fellow SPL club Motherwell for the release of their manager, Mark McGhee. McGhee had a successful spell at the club as a player, when the Dons' won the European Cup Winners' Cup in 1983. Along with his assistant Scott Leitch the pair would form Aberdeen's new management team.[2]
In the summer, Aberdeen lost their captain, Scott Severin, who left to pursue a career in England with Championship club Watford.[3] The club also parted ways with four other players; defender Lee Mair joined fellow SPL club St Mirren. Jamie Smith joined MLS side Colorado Rapids, goalkeeper Bertrand Bossu had his contract terminated by the club and he was signed up with English club Crewe Alexandra. The club also parted ways with Faroese youngster Rogvi Holm.
With the squad depleting, McGhee sought out to buy new players. McGhee tried to sign Benin international Réda Johnson, but the defender choose to move to English outfit Plymouth Argyle. McGhee did make his first signing, goalkeeper Stuart Nelson from Norwich City. Jerel Ifil, Davide Grassi and Maurice Ross joined from Swindon Town, Espanyol and Kocaelispor respectively.
Aberdeen became one of the first clubs to participate in the newly re-branded Europa League. Aberdeen were drawn against Czech opposition in Sigma Olomouc. It soon proved to be a tie to forget, as the Dons were humbled 5–1 at home, and 3–0 away, which resulted in an 8–1 aggregate score. Aberdeen were also knocked out early in the League Cup as well. After falling 2–0 down, goals from Michael Paton ensure that the cup tie against Dundee would go into extra time. Aberdeen lost the game 3–2.
Aberdeen started their League campaign with a 3–1 defeat to Celtic, but with wins against Hamilton, St Mirren, St Johnstone and a notable one against rivals Rangers have got Aberdeen's season back on track.
Updated 22 April 2010
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