Lewis is in for long haul but wants silver reward

Joe Lewis signed a new fiveyear contract earlier this week and it is appropriate Celtic provide the opposition in his first game since as they are part of the reason the goalkeeper was so keen to stay at Aberdeen.

Lewis is fed- up seeing today’s visitors celebrate at the end of matches between the clubs, having been on the losing side in three major finals against them as well as last month’s Scottish Cup semi- final.

That 3- 0 defeat at Hampden was followed by last Sunday’s l oss at Ibrox which means that, for the first time in five years, the Dons can’t finish runners- up in the Premiership and the thought of Celtic clinching their latest title at Pittodrie today is not how the Englishman wants to mark the occasion of his new contract.

“We need to win trophies and my view is that I won’t be fully satisfied here until we do that,” he said. “You don’t want to be remembered for coming second and being known for nearly doing it and nearly winning something. We have to compete for trophies every year. The history of the club has always been about winning silverware.”

It won’t be any easier next season as captain Graeme Shi nnie a nd winger Gar y Mackay- Steven are leaving under freedom of contract, Greg Stewart is expected to join Rangers when his loan deal expires and Max Lowe will be returning to Derby County in the summer.

Mcinnes has already made it clear that he faces the biggest rebuilding job since he took over a team languishing in the bottom half of the league six years ago.