It’s the Dons of new era
Jim Goodwin was content with his lot in Leith after deciding d to take on Hibs with w only players who will w be sticking around at Aberdeen A next season.
The Dons gaffer gave his contracted c stars the chance c to stake their claims c – and left out anyone o who’s on their way in the t 1-1 draw with Hibs.
Goodwin said: “I picked the t starting XI who are all under u contract for next season. s
“Of the nine subs six have already a been told they’re not n getting an offer or are surplus su s to requirements.
“With that there is always a a bit of tension and frustration fr f in the group.
“But I try to be honest with w people and tell them how h it is to give them time to get sorted.
“So we went with a side that th had something to play for. fo I said to them before
the game they’re playing for their jerseys next year.
“If we need to move others on then that’s what we’ll do but I felt we got a good react ion and response from the team which started.”
Goodwin was pleased with the performance but admitted the second half fell short when he called on some of the nearly departed.
He said: “We came here to try to win the game.
“I thought we were very good first half. We were in control of the majority of the first 45 minutes, we were the better team.
“We pressed Hibs high up the pitch, denied them any real space.
“Second half I didn’t think that we reached those levels.
“I have to give credit to David Gray and his players as well, they changed their system a little bit.
“And they were the better team in the second half.
“So I don’t think that any of us could have any arguments.”