The Press and Journal (Inverness, Highlands, and Islands)
Another Almaty task for Dons?
Shinnie trusts manager McInnes will strengthen ahead of new season
Aberdeen face a possible return to the city of Almaty in Kazakhstan in the Europa League after being drawn with either Ordabasy Shymkent or Bosnian club NK Siroki Brijeg in the second qualifying round.
Derek McInnes’ Reds, whose coefficient is 6.785, will host the winners of their Euro rivals’ first qualifying round tie at Pittodrie on Thursday, July 13, with the second leg on July 20.
The Dons manager said: “We will obviously have both legs watched from the first-round game and will be treating whoever we get with the utmost respect.
“If it does happen to be a trip to Kazakhstan again, the game will be in Almaty, so it won't be a new experience for us.
“There will be a familiarity about it. Also if it is Ordabasy who we play, it is important to remember that unlike last time when we travelled to play Kairat Almaty, we will not have a domestic game immediately after the long trip, so that would be a huge bonus.
“It can't come soon enough and we are really looking forward to the new season getting under way.
“The main thing between now and then is for us to do our homework, so we know everything we need to know about both teams.”
Aberdeen captain Graeme Shinnie insists the Dons have not reached the peak of their powers.
The Scottish Cup final marked the end of an era at Pittodrie, with midfielders Jonny Hayes, Ryan Jack, Peter Pawlett and Niall McGinn, as well as defender Ash Taylor, all moving on.
Dons manager Derek McInnes was tempted into joining the exodus when Sunderland came calling for his services but he has decided against leaving the Dons for a second crack at the English Championship.
His decision to stay was welcome news for the Dons but McInnes’ focus is now on plugging the gaps.
Greg Tansey has moved to the Dons on a pre-contract from Caley Thistle and he will be joined at Pittodrie by former Caley Jags team-mate Ryan Christie, who is returning to Aberdeen on a seasonlong loan.
Yesterday’s Europa League draw, which pitted the Dons against either Ordabasy Shykment, of Kazakhstan, or Bosnian side NK Siroki Brijeg means the clock is firmly ticking as the race to get new faces in before the first leg at home on July 13.
Shinnie is adamant the Reds will be just as strong and has backed McInnes to bring in quality replacements.
He said: “The manager has a big job coming up in the next four weeks to try to replace some of the players and I have every faith in him doing that and then we go again in pre-season.
“It is a job he has always been good at. There is a good platform to build on as there always is at this club. The core of the team is still here and, as I say, I am sure the manager will recruit well.”
The loss of Hayes, McGinn, Taylor and Jack will hit the Dons hard as all four had been mainstays of the side but Shinnie believes they can be proud of their contributions.
He said: “It is disappointing we could not keep this squad together but that is football. People move on all the time. The players moving on can be extremely happy with their contribution to the club since they have been here.
“They have been different class and I am sure everyone will appreciate what they have done. I wish them all the best.”
The Dons players are due back next week for preseason training as their focus switches firmly to Europe.
A fourth Europa League qualifying campaign in a row beckons and Shinnie believes it is one the Reds can look forward to with optimism.
He said: “We have a European campaign to look forward to. It’s not a long break, though we have been lucky to get the extra two weeks which could be crucial. There’s a lot to look forward to next season. We’ll be ready for it.”