It’s been a week of mixed emotions for Aberdeen.
On the park Craig Brown’s men notched up their first victory of the season at St Johnstone, overcame Morton in extra time in the League Cup and picked up a point in a 0-0 stalemate at home to Hearts.
Off the park though the club have suffered a real blow in their plans to secure their financial stability.
The decision by Aberdeen City Council to reject an application by the club to build a new training facility at Calder Park has had a detrimental domino effect on their plans to move into a new £38 million, 21,000 all seater stadium at Loirston Loch by 2015.
Dons major shareholder Stewart Milne could not disguise his frustration at the councils decision, most likely because he is very fearful of the implications for the one time European Super Cup winners.
Aberdeen supporters were amongst the most vociferous fanbase in their demand for the removal of Rangers from the SPL, keen also to show that the league could thrive without the Glasgow club.
Indeed it was a Dons follower who instigated the idea of the much publicised ‘Sell Out Saturday’, an attempt for fans of all SPL clubs to show their loyalty towards their clubs at a time when the financial implications of an SPL-less Rangers have been highlighted as a potential ticking time bomb.
Now I’m not one who spends much time getting worked out about the rumour mill but the talk of the steamie in the world of Aberdeen fans is a developing concern about the financial health of their beloved club. Aberdeen have thrived over the years in pursuing a strong financial model based on keeping the purse strains tightened, developing young players into potential worthy assets and keeping the door open for potential investment.
However despite his continued requests for local businessmen in this oil rich city to consider offering cash injections into the Pittodrie club, Stewart Milne has had to keep the club afloat himself.
Like most clubs during these financially troubled times, Aberdeen have had to look at cut backs, the most high profile casualty being Dons legend Willie Miller who was relieved of his Director of Football duties in the summer.
Craig Brown is also being forced to try and assemble a squad capable of pushing for top six football with one hand tied behind his back.
The creative skills of Fraser Fyvie will now be something Wigan supporters will be able to saviour but Brown has shown shrewd judgement in bringing in the likes of Johnny Hayes and Niall McGinn, though Irishman McGinn has been ruled out of action for some time due to injury.
There is wealth of experience at his disposal too but a lack of firepower is already causing the Dons fans headaches, how they must long for a Joe Harper of Duncan Shearer.
Hopes are also being pinned on the young shoulders of Marcus Fraser, but the fact is Craig Brown is finding the job of restoring pride in AFC as a tough task indeed.
The images of Alex Ferguson training his troops on Aberdeen beach and leading the Reds to trophy after trophy are becoming distant memories. This latest snub from the city council may mean Dons fans will have to do with the pleasure of watching DVD’s of their old triumphs for their kicks as the future is uncertain for the club from the Granite City.
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