A day of the week

Great news fellow Dandies, the Dons have started the new league campaign with all guns blazing, firing on all cylinders! If only.

A picture tells a thousand words. Poor Jim Leighton looks like he's about to greet and Craig Brown like he's given up the ghost already. Worrying times for all down Pittodrie way.

Four games in and to say we are toiling is an understatement. The strikers will come good we are told. We won't get mauled at Tynecastle again we are told. Someone is going to get a thumping soon we are told. We are told a lot of things it would seem. Lets hope some of these predictions come true, and fast.

Last seasons deficiencies still seem evident and if anything we look a weaker squad of players. There is alarming lack of width in the squad yet again. The first thing Brown did when he came in was bring in 2 fullbacks, who have since left. We are now left with no natural fullbacks once more and seeing Rory McArdle torn to shreds yet again against Hearts surely must hammer the point home.

The same can be said for the midfield, where we have a glut of central midfield players and a scant lack of width to deploy. Pawlett would be seem to be the main candidate however this young lad seems to be made of glass with a host of injuries which hamper him.

And what of our 'strikeforce'? Stats: 4 games - 0 goals. Terrible. We need reinforcements. Call in the cavarly! Sound the alarms! If four additional players aren't in by the end of the transfer window, then it's safe to say AFC will be hurtling towards Division one.

Still, Kari Arnason looks pretty good. Small mercies.

Testimonial matches, a point of much discussion amongst fans across the country. Do players deserve it in these times of inflated wages? Whatever the thoughts, I ventured along to Pittodrie on a surprisingly sunny (by this summers standards) Tuesday evening to witness Darren Mackie's testimonial against Villareal.

The first thing of note is the immaculate playing surface, always looks pristine at the start of the season. Which brings me to another point, summer football should DEFINATELY be in place. It's so much more enjoyable in the sun and not sitting freezing your nuts off in minus degrees. Get it sorted out SPL.

Onto the match itself, as expected a very laid back affair. More of a chance to get the fitness levels up although both sides created a number of chances and the Dons gave a few of the promising youngsters breaking through a run out. The game was settled by a Rossi goal midway through the second half, he clevery made space for himself in the box and dispatched with aplomb.

I felt our new signings looked the part. Mawene in particular looks a commanding presence in the back 4 albeit with a lack of pace and will undoubtedly become an important signing. Further good news with him stating he already wants to sign a new deal.

Osbourne is an absolute tank who will take no prisoners, just what we need. I expect him to be booked several times over the course of the season.

Gonzalez also looks a confident and assured goal keeper. His kicking and distribution were top notch and he's not scared to throw himself about. Further good news that we've signed Blackburn Welsh international Jason Brown on a 2 year deal. Surely this casts a doubt over Jamie Langfields long term future, illness dependant.

Onto the local loon himself, Darren Mackie. Say what you want about him, but he's given his all for the club over the last 13 years. He'd run through a brick wall for AFC. Lets hope he can have an injury free season and rattle in a few goals, god knows he deserves it, along with the long suffering Dons support. He had several chances on Tuesday night which went amiss (must be saving them up for Saturday against St Johnstone).

What of further addtions to the squad? Well, we have the protracted Kari Arnason affair (which is apparently a done deal), the long running Aluko saga and a mystery striker who is being watched this weekend. Lets hope all 3 come off and we'll be in good shape.

Hats off to Craig Brown, he goes about his business the right way, no blabbing to the press unlike previous managers and looking like a prize fool when things go to pot. It's great to see a manager with a professional attitude, dignity and class.

Come on the Dons, lets get off to a winning start on Saturday (I will miss it as I'm off to a wedding in London, how selfish of them).

Dons rule!