Things can only get better for Aberdeen after they endured their worst Scottish Premiership finish since 2004.
Manager Jim Goodwin replaced Stephen Glass in February but couldn't stop the slump as the Granite City side finished tenth.
But now is his chance to stamp his own authority on the side.
The Dons reported back for pre-season training on Wednesday as they prepare for the Premier Sports Cup campaign to get underway on July 10.
There hasn't been as much movement in terms of incomings at Pittodrie but that hasn't stopped fans speculating on potential names after the club looks to land a record transfer fee for right-back Calvin Ramsay.
Here Record Sport delves into how things are shaping up at Aberdeen ahead of next season.
Barron's number change
Connor Barron looks to have been given the number eight shirt vacated by former captain Scott Brown for next season if pictures from pre-season training are anything to go by.
Barron hit the headlines for his influential performances for the Dons at the end of last season after being recalled from a season-long loan at Kelty Hearts.
He has since shone for Scotland under 21's with Celtic said to be keeping close tabs on his development.
And now the move from No.29 to 8 clearly emphasises the 19-year-old's role as a regular in Goodwin's side for the 2022/23 campaign after the departures of midfield duo Funso Ojo and Dylan McGeouch.
Meanwhile the future of Lewis Ferguson still remains up in the air with English Championship side Millwall one of several clubs keen on his signature.
Campbell spotted training despite Stevenage loan
Dean Campbell might have joined English League Two side Stevenage on loan for the season but eagle-eyed fans have spotted the midfielder in the club's pre season training video on Friday which suggests he is remaining as part of the camp at Cormack Park to keep his fitness up until the English outfit's close season begins.
With Campbell's Pittodrie contract up at the end of next season, this move could be make or break for the Aberdonian, who has featured over 75 times for Aberdeen since his debut in 2016.
Fans kept waiting on signings
Aberdeen fans might've been expecting an influx of new signings by this stage in the window, especially with the squad back into pre-season training.
However despite an exodus of players over the summer, Goodwin has made just one signing so far, Albanian midfielder Ylber Ramadani, who signed a three-year contract in a £100,000 deal from Hungarian club MTK Budapest.
But that could soon change with the club interested in Norwegian striker Tobias Lauritsen (Odds) and North Macedonian international centre-forward Bojan Miovski (MTK Budapest).
While Celtic's Liam Scales has been linked to help give competition to David Bates and Declan Gallagher in defence, after Andrew Considine's departure to St Johnstone.
Goodwin recently said he could have “signed 100 players” by now but is willing to hold out to land the right players to bring success back to Aberdeen.
Commercial director Rob Wicks has hinted the new home shirt could be released sometime next week, so could we perhaps see a signing or two announced to model it? With the Dons set to land up to £8million from the sale of Calvin Ramsay to Liverpool - you certainly couldn't rule that out.
Ramirez gets extended break
Christian Ramirez might have some making up to do with sections of the Red Army after the American striker left for an early holiday while the Dons were very much in a scrap to avoid a relegation play-off spot.
And despite his managers plea that it was very much of a case of giving Ramirez a break after a gruelling season leading the line, many didn't believe the 31-year-old would return for next season.
But in spite of that Ramirez has been pictured leaving an airport in America today and is on route back to Scotland.
Goodwin told the media on Friday that he granted Ramirez a few extra days on his summer break as he hopes the striker, who netted 15 times last season, will return recharged and ready to hit the ground running in the new season.
Pittodrie pitch looking superb
Aberdeen have moved to get the Pittodrie in shape ahead of the new season kicking off in three weeks time.
Head groundsman David Nicholson shared an image of the new-look pitch on social media with fans instantly lapping it up with praise.
He wrote: "Just over 4 weeks since we completed a successful in-house, end of season renovation. The pitch is looking strong with just over 3 weeks till the first home game of the season."
One fan replied: "Looks amazing. Credit to the ground staff! Now all we need is a team fit to play on that surface."
While another said: "It's like a bowling green. Well done to all involved."
