Manager Craig Brown made four additions, bringing in wingers Jonny Hayes and Niall McGinn from rival SPL clubs, as well as adding experienced left-back Gary Naysmith to his squad. Mark Reynolds who returned to his parent club Sheffield Wednesday at the end of last season, was allowed to return to Pittodrie on a season long loan.
Craig Brown retired as manager in 2013, with Derek McInnes taking over for the final five games of the season.
Aberdeen entered the Scottish League Cup in the second round stage, having not qualified for Europe in 2011–12. The draw for the second round took place at Hampden on 9 August and handed the Dons' an away tie against First Division side Greenock Morton[3]
Source: SPFL Archive Rules for classification: 1) points; 2) goal difference; 3) number of goals scored. Notes:
^ abcTeams in the bottom half at the time of the split may not overtake a team in the top 6 at the time of the split.
^Since the winners of 2012–13 Scottish Cup, Celtic, qualified for European competition based on league position, the runners–up Hibernian secured a spot in Europa League second qualifying round.