Season 2013-14 Reflection.

[King Street Loon]

The curtain has been drawn on the 2013 - 2014 season.

 

We end it as League Cup winners, 3rd best team in Scotland (arguably 2nd best, but I'll let others debate that) and a stronger team as a whole.

There is however still much work to be done and even McInnes will admit that we're ahead of schedule.

The end of the season proved that point for me as the season petered out with too many draws and not enough wins.

This has ultimately cost us and we end the season feeling down instead of looking back and realising a that a bit of pride has been restored to the club and the city.

 

Mistakes have been made in team performances, selections, signings etc and no doubt we'll learn from it. We need too.

 

League Review

Cruelly robbed of 2nd spot at the last and on the whole we've been consistent, but the last quarter of the season has hurt us as too many draws have bitten us on the arse and the inability to beat relegated Hearts has also put paid to things.

A lack of goals and creativity has also cost us. The vision to create something from nothing isn't there all the time and the reliance on Robson to deftly chip a ball over the defence for the striker was long since sussed out.

We lacked a plan B, but I hope that was more down to the limited options on the bench rather than the managers limitations tactically. I'mm sure it is.

Hopefully the need for a stronger squad is rectified in the summer and players capable of going straight into the first team are brought in and we enter 2014 - 2015 stronger.

 

League Cup Review

Fantastic run.

40000 dandies singing and dancing in the stands at Parkred.

The famine ended and we were absolutely delighted. The game itself wasn't the best, i suppose our inability to break teams down was shown in the game. But we showed bottle in the shoot out and came out victorious.

 

Scottish Cup Review

Disappointing showing against St Johnstone in the semi.

To have beaten Celtic so convincingly in one of the previous rounds, to lose it in the semi was gutting.

 

Signing Review

Zola, Tate, Hector, Weaver, Robson, Flood, Rooney, Shankland, Logan, Wylde.

All have gifted varying returns. The only real success have been Robson, Flood, Rooney and Logan for me.

The rest have been varying shades of shite.

Shankland is obviously exempt from that.

 

Manager Review

McInnes has been like a breath of fresh air at the club.

Speaks with honesty and has a determination to improve the club and put us back to where we belong.

Wasn't my first choice, but by fuck I'm delighted to have been proven wrong by him and I hope he continues to make me eat my words.

I've no doubt that he will be smarting from the end of season, but hopefully it will only make him more hungry to push on and improve for next season.

Some of his signings have been suspect, but I feel he's recognised that and they have either been phased out, used sparingly or moved on.

He'll learn to make every signing count in the future I'm sure.

 

Player Review

1: Langfield - We've seen the best and the worst of this goalkeeping enigma. Some games he pulls off some great stops, the next he's fresh air kicking, getting bullied in his box and blaming others for his faults. Still feel a competent challenger for the number 1 shirt is required as we'll struggle to progress if we stick with him.. 7/10

2: Shaugnessy - Hasn't progressed as we'd all hoped. showed some promise last season and looked like he was going to push on, but he's not. Big season for him next year. 6.5/10

3: Robertson - Disappointing season again. Injured for most of it again and when he has played he's looked out of depth. I'd be looking to move him on in the summer. 4.5/10

4: Anderson - After a slow start to thee season our captain came on to a rich vein of form. Commanding as always and led us to a cup win. Probably played more than he, us and the manager thought, but due to injuries etc and poor competition he's stepped up the plate. Worth a years extension if he wants it IMO. 9/10

5: Considine - Shunted out to Left Back due to the fine form of Anderson and Reynolds. Not his best position, but he's been passable, but obviously isn't the answer there. Distribution is poor and isn't the quickest in that position. Injuries have again afflicted him. 6.5/10

6: Reynolds - Outstanding season for me. Calm, assured never panics. Distribution isn't the best, but he does the rest very well. Future Captain and loves playing and living up here. So will be around for a while. 9/10

7: Zola - Pish, absolute joke of a player and should be moved on at the earliest opportunity. 1/10

8: Flood - The terrier of the team. Snaps at your ankles and is a 100% in the middle for us. Distribution is woeful at times, but I suppose it's forgiven went you see the effort and endevour he puts in. 7.5/10

9: Vernon - Hasn't been good enough this season. 2 hat tricks mask what has been a disappointing season and it's been going for a while. He doesn't suit the way we seem to want to evolve as a team. Thanks for the goals when they came Vern, but I wish you the best in your future. 5/10

10: McGinn - Hasn't captured the form from last season and has had a disinterested air about him. Is he pissed off about not being the main man anymore or for being shunted out to the wing. Who know, but he's not the player of last season. Needs to up his game for next season. 7/10

11: Hayes - A good season from the little Ginger Irishman. Scored a corker against Celtic and picked up a goal of the season award. Showed his value to the team by being able to slot in at Left Back if needed and performs well in that role. Sometimes feel his final ball lets him down, but still a valued member of the team. 7.5/10

14: - Cammy Smith - Hasn't stepped to the plate this season. Has had chances to stake a claim when Pawlett was injured but didn't do it. I think depending on signings in the summer that he should be put out on loan to get some regular game time to see if he's got the ability some people think he has. 6/10

15: Robson - Very good impressive season from him. Has drive and knows how to win. Vital in a team IMO. Played more than we'd all thought he would. To much seemed to go through him though and not enough other players wanting to take the responsibility that he did. 8/10

16: Pawlett - Great first half of the season, but faded and struggled to recapture his form after his injury. Still much improved showing from a player I and many others had written off. Hope he pushes on again next season as he could have a massive impact on our fortunes. 7/10

17: Adam Rooney - Great signing and he made a great impact. Hope for more next season if we can get someone to supply him with the bullets. 7/10

18: Low - I like his enthusiasm for the cause and is one I'd keep a hold of, but I think McInnes is going to let him go and make room for someone that can come in and make more of an impact. 6/10

20: Weaver - Done nothing and didn't shower himself in glory when he did get a chance. Cheerio Nicky, it's been emotional 1/10

22: Jack - Really not sure about him. Is solid, but he offers no forward drive to the team. He slows play down well and intercepts, but other than that... Loves a sideways pass and is feart to take a pot shot on goal (that could be said for anyone in the team I suppose). Needs to do more IMO 6.5/10

27: Hector - Did well when here even when played out wide at Right Back. 7/10

28: Tate - The weirdest shaped player I've ever seen and has he turning circle of an arctic lorry. Won't be sad to see him go. 6/10

29: Logan - Been a good addition and I wouldn't be against him staying on. Time will tell if that happens. 7/10

 

Overall a vastly improved season and given the choice of a cup and European qualification I'd have bitten your hand off.

Just disappointing how the season petered out and we limped over the line.

 

A few key additions for next season and we can cement 2nd place, win a cup double and make a decent account of ourselves in the league.

 

 

 

 

 

[Stoney]

The curtain has been drawn on the 2013 - 2014 season.

 

We end it as League Cup winners, 3rd best team in Scotland (arguably 2nd best, but I'll let others debate that) and a stronger team as a whole.

There is however still much work to be done and even McInnes will admit that we're ahead of schedule.

The end of the season proved that point for me as the season petered out with too many draws and not enough wins.

This has ultimately cost us and we end the season feeling down instead of looking back and realising a that a bit of pride has been restored to the club and the city.

 

Mistakes have been made in team performances, selections, signings etc and no doubt we'll learn from it. We need too.

 

League Review

Cruelly robbed of 2nd spot at the last and on the whole we've been consistent, but the last quarter of the season has hurt us as too many draws have bitten us on the arse and the inability to beat relegated Hearts has also put paid to things.

A lack of goals and creativity has also cost us. The vision to create something from nothing isn't there all the time and the reliance on Robson to deftly chip a ball over the defence for the striker was long since sussed out.

We lacked a plan B, but I hope that was more down to the limited options on the bench rather than the managers limitations tactically. I'mm sure it is.

Hopefully the need for a stronger squad is rectified in the summer and players capable of going straight into the first team are brought in and we enter 2014 - 2015 stronger.

 

League Cup Review

Fantastic run.

40000 dandies singing and dancing in the stands at Parkred.

The famine ended and we were absolutely delighted. The game itself wasn't the best, i suppose our inability to break teams down was shown in the game. But we showed bottle in the shoot out and came out victorious.

 

Scottish Cup Review

Disappointing showing against St Johnstone in the semi.

To have beaten Celtic so convincingly in one of the previous rounds, to lose it in the semi was gutting.

 

Signing Review

Zola, Tate, Hector, Weaver, Robson, Flood, Rooney, Shankland, Logan, Wylde.

All have gifted varying returns. The only real success have been Robson, Flood, Rooney and Logan for me.

The rest have been varying shades of shite.

Shankland is obviously exempt from that.

 

Manager Review

McInnes has been like a breath of fresh air at the club.

Speaks with honesty and has a determination to improve the club and put us back to where we belong.

Wasn't my first choice, but by fuck I'm delighted to have been proven wrong by him and I hope he continues to make me eat my words.

I've no doubt that he will be smarting from the end of season, but hopefully it will only make him more hungry to push on and improve for next season.

Some of his signings have been suspect, but I feel he's recognised that and they have either been phased out, used sparingly or moved on.

He'll learn to make every signing count in the future I'm sure.

 

Player Review

1: Langfield - We've seen the best and the worst of this goalkeeping enigma. Some games he pulls off some great stops, the next he's fresh air kicking, getting bullied in his box and blaming others for his faults. Still feel a competent challenger for the number 1 shirt is required as we'll struggle to progress if we stick with him.. 7/10

2: Shaugnessy - Hasn't progressed as we'd all hoped. showed some promise last season and looked like he was going to push on, but he's not. Big season for him next year. 6.5/10

3: Robertson - Disappointing season again. Injured for most of it again and when he has played he's looked out of depth. I'd be looking to move him on in the summer. 4.5/10

4: Anderson - After a slow start to thee season our captain came on to a rich vein of form. Commanding as always and led us to a cup win. Probably played more than he, us and the manager thought, but due to injuries etc and poor competition he's stepped up the plate. Worth a years extension if he wants it IMO. 9/10

5: Considine - Shunted out to Left Back due to the fine form of Anderson and Reynolds. Not his best position, but he's been passable, but obviously isn't the answer there. Distribution is poor and isn't the quickest in that position. Injuries have again afflicted him. 6.5/10

6: Reynolds - Outstanding season for me. Calm, assured never panics. Distribution isn't the best, but he does the rest very well. Future Captain and loves playing and living up here. So will be around for a while. 9/10

7: Zola - Pish, absolute joke of a player and should be moved on at the earliest opportunity. 1/10

8: Flood - The terrier of the team. Snaps at your ankles and is a 100% in the middle for us. Distribution is woeful at times, but I suppose it's forgiven went you see the effort and endevour he puts in. 7.5/10

9: Vernon - Hasn't been good enough this season. 2 hat tricks mask what has been a disappointing season and it's been going for a while. He doesn't suit the way we seem to want to evolve as a team. Thanks for the goals when they came Vern, but I wish you the best in your future. 5/10

10: McGinn - Hasn't captured the form from last season and has had a disinterested air about him. Is he pissed off about not being the main man anymore or for being shunted out to the wing. Who know, but he's not the player of last season. Needs to up his game for next season. 7/10

11: Hayes - A good season from the little Ginger Irishman. Scored a corker against Celtic and picked up a goal of the season award. Showed his value to the team by being able to slot in at Left Back if needed and performs well in that role. Sometimes feel his final ball lets him down, but still a valued member of the team. 7.5/10

14: - Cammy Smith - Hasn't stepped to the plate this season. Has had chances to stake a claim when Pawlett was injured but didn't do it. I think depending on signings in the summer that he should be put out on loan to get some regular game time to see if he's got the ability some people think he has. 6/10

15: Robson - Very good impressive season from him. Has drive and knows how to win. Vital in a team IMO. Played more than we'd all thought he would. To much seemed to go through him though and not enough other players wanting to take the responsibility that he did. 8/10

16: Pawlett - Great first half of the season, but faded and struggled to recapture his form after his injury. Still much improved showing from a player I and many others had written off. Hope he pushes on again next season as he could have a massive impact on our fortunes. 7/10

17: Adam Rooney - Great signing and he made a great impact. Hope for more next season if we can get someone to supply him with the bullets. 7/10

18: Low - I like his enthusiasm for the cause and is one I'd keep a hold of, but I think McInnes is going to let him go and make room for someone that can come in and make more of an impact. 6/10

20: Weaver - Done nothing and didn't shower himself in glory when he did get a chance. Cheerio Nicky, it's been emotional 1/10

22: Jack - Really not sure about him. Is solid, but he offers no forward drive to the team. He slows play down well and intercepts, but other than that... Loves a sideways pass and is feart to take a pot shot on goal (that could be said for anyone in the team I suppose). Needs to do more IMO 6.5/10

27: Hector - Did well when here even when played out wide at Right Back. 7/10

28: Tate - The weirdest shaped player I've ever seen and has he turning circle of an arctic lorry. Won't be sad to see him go. 6/10

29: Logan - Been a good addition and I wouldn't be against him staying on. Time will tell if that happens. 7/10

 

Overall a vastly improved season and given the choice of a cup and European qualification I'd have bitten your hand off.

Just disappointing how the season petered out and we limped over the line.

 

A few key additions for next season and we can cement 2nd place, win a cup double and make a decent account of ourselves in the league.

 

 

 

 

 

good summerisation. agree

[The Boofon]

I'm happy with a cup, a semi and a European spot.

 

The league placing very disappointing. Should have been first so second or third is like sultanas or raisins. Both the same thing.

 

We'll win the fucker next year.

 

I'd like the league and Scottish cup next year.

[King Street Loon]

good summerisation. agree

Cheers.

But much like the team this season, i ran out of steam and ideas.

[Dynamo]

Favourite game - Motherwell 0 - '10 man Aberdeen' 2

Worst game - Aberdeen 0 Celtic 2

Best Player - No stand outs for me. Reynolds though has been most consistent. Hayes has had a good end to the season. Robson, Anderson, Pawlett even Flood (start of season) have put in some great performances.

Must do better - McGinn

Get rid - Zola, Magennis, Vernon

[rossafc92]

Lots of highs this season, probably most in one season I've experienced as a Dons fan.

 

It has, though, been interrupted with some real lows. The Scottish Cup semi-final defeat really did leave a nasty "what could have been" taste in the mouth. Especially given that we were looking relatively comfortable at half time in that one, too.

 

There's been a few frustrating league games. Failing to pick up more than a point against Hearts being the main ones. Struggling against the likes of Ross County an issue; you look at the way Motherwell seemed to handle sides in the bottom half with relative ease. The type of games seemed harder for us than really should have been.

 

Yesterday really was a horrible way to end the campaign. I didn't think I'd be as fussed as this about finishing one place higher. Difficult to stomach when you look at the work and effort that's been put in across the whole season and it's a terrible refereeing decision that ultimately causes it to unravel, or at least feel like it unraveled. The efforts of the management and players, even the fans, deserved more than that on the final day.

 

The one stand out for me this season was the cup quarter final at Fir Park. We'd just completed our first round of league fixtures a few days before that one, and with 20 points from 11 games we all knew we'd made a good start; but it was only at the same stage the season before we'd collected 18 points from as many fixtures, and everything seemed to unwind from thereon in. When Shaughnessy was red carded, I thought to myself that if we somehow found ourselves in the semi-final of the cup, then we really did have a team here, and something really could happen with it. The semi-final at Tynecastle was fantastic: the atmosphere and the clinical nature of the Dons that day was fantastic. Both Tannadice trips were very enjoyable, and the wins at the start of the season against Motherwell and Partick were particualrly enjoyable as well.

 

The Cup Final was just ace. More for the event and occasion than the actual game, obviously. A day I'll never forget.

 

There's been many a good away day this season, some great bounces for some goals too. Home games have been laboured and not the most enjoyable. But an improvement on the season before. The 0-0s were turned, mostly, into 1-0 wins. A determination to get a goal via any means was the difference between the 0-0 of 12/13 and the 1-0 of 13/14. There was an improvement in our threat from set-pieces and long-range shooting. Towards the end of the season, though, that problem has reared its head again. There needs to be a conscious effort from the management to address how static we are at home and how slow the games become. It's all well blaming the opposition for sitting in, but we only scored 20 goals at home this season, much less than Well and United - there's no way that the sides sitting in against us weren't doing the same against them. We need a player or two who don't require a large amount of space and pace (Pawlett and McGinn being prime examples) to beat a man and who can do it through their skill with the ball. Proper full-backs help in that regard too. Logan gave us a bit of that down the right, but it's still missing from the left (Hayes showing how important pace and skill is for a full back in that he managed to get in behind Well to the goal-line yesterday from the left back position, even if the end product wasn't the greatest).

 

Would rate the season an 8/10. Maybe more down to how much we managed to improve in just a year. Think it's all caught us a bit by surprise, even if we're feeling deflated at not managing to finish 2nd yesterday.

[ChutneyLove]

Does anyone remember "Reflections" after the News at Ten? Classic put the kettle on time. I don't think any cunt watched it. Usually some religious bloke telling a wee story with a moral. Sometimes linked the stories for whole week.

 

Best night-time telly ever was Weir's Way. "Tom Weir, Tom Weir, plus-fours and a wee woolly hat." - as the song goes.

[The Boofon]

Does anyone remember "Reflections" after the News at Ten? Classic put the kettle on time. I don't think any cunt watched it. Usually some religious bloke telling a wee story with a moral. Sometimes linked the stories for whole week.

 

Best night-time telly ever was Weir's Way. "Tom Weir, Tom Weir, plus-fours and a wee woolly hat." - as the song goes.

Yes I do. However I'm more hoping for some "Tales of the Unexpected" to come forth given Poodler was a no show under the floodlight yesterday afternoon.

[ChutneyLove]

He is conspicuous in his absence.