There has been a cloud of negativity above the Granite City this past week after Aberdeen endured three consecutive defeats for the first time this season. However, Neil Lennon doesn't think it's all doom and gloom for manager Jim Goodwin and his men.
The Dons went into the World Cup break third in the Scottish Premiership table and with a Viaplay Cup semi-final meeting with Rangers to look forward to. But a return of no points from the trio of games since, including a catastrophic late collapse against Rangers, has left punters questioning Goodwin's position in the Pittodrie hot seat as well as the club's failure to bolster the defence in the summer.
Lennon, who has enjoyed his fair share of ups and downs in his own managerial career which includes two spells at Celtic, believes there has been a big progression at Aberdeen under Goodwin compared to what was on display last season and that it's only a matter of time before the positivity returns again. He told BoyleSports: "Aberdeen have had a good season and improved massively under Jim Goodwin. They were unlucky against Celtic and Rangers and probably should have accumulated more points from those games.
"If you look at them last season, they’ve had a look at things, recruited better and are doing better in the league. They also have a chance to win the League Cup. I think therefore there has been a big progression with Aberdeen this season."
Aberdeen make the trip to Kilmarnock on Wednesday as Goodwin looks to return to winning ways and repay chairman Dave Cormack's faith - after he publicly issued his backing of the Irishman in the aftermath of Saturday's 3-1 defeat by St Mirren. Although the Dons are without captain Anthony Stewart, who was shown red during that match in Paisley. While star men Luis 'Duk' Lopes, Leighton Clarkson and Hayden Coulson are all injury doubts ahead of the Rugby Park clash.
