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.