Goodwin already wielding the axe on Aberdeen squad

ABERDEEN manager Jim Goodwin has revealed he has already held talks with several players and informed them that their services will no longer be required come the end of the season. Goodwin declined to name any names or offer any specifics in terms of numbers, but he insisted that a major overhaul of the playing squad is on the cards at Pittodrie. Ahead of a vital clash with Dundee tomorrow, the Dons boss said: ‘I think the boys have appreciated my honesty. ‘I have had managers who do it differently. But the ones I had the most respect for were upfront and gave me time to sort out my future. ‘None of the players I have spoken to have downed tools and no fans will be able to say the players don’t care and aren’t committed. I can’t fault the players’ efforts and the players I have spoken to have all appreciated the honesty. ‘I have given them time so they can sort their futures and that of their family for next season. ‘People make a big deal of it, but is it better to lie to the players and kid them on and tell them I will let them know at the end of the season? ‘Or give them a few months to speak to their agent and put feelers out? We are all grown men. I don’t pull the wool over their eyes when you know they won’t be getting a deal. ‘I don’t think anybody expected me to go into next season with the exact same squad. I think we’re all quite grown up about the situation. ‘I’m going to freshen things up in the summer.’