Despite three trips to Hampden this season, it was ultimately a disappointing campaign for fourth-placed Aberdeen.
Derek McInnes made a host of poor signings heading into the campaign. The likes of Stephen Gleeson, Tommie Hoban, James Wilson, and Chris Forrester failed to bring the experience and class McInnes was hoping for.
Once again, the season became reliant on the performances of Graeme Shinnie. His drive and energy in the midfield consistently determined what kind of performance Aberdeen were going to put in. The Dons did, however, discover a gem by signing Lewis Ferguson from Hamilton. He's managed eight goals and eight assists in 44 appearances, and has proven to be an aggressor for Aberdeen as well as a creator.
McInnes has also managed to uncover several promising youngsters. These include the likes of Connor McLennan and Bruce Anderson, who are worth watching next season.
This year, however, McInnes had too many players who couldn't make the step-up to Aberdeen. Wilson and Stevie May were massive letdowns in the final third, whilst Sam Cosgrove only scored 20 of his 21 goals from December onwards.
But Aberdeen's problem was that they simply didn't have enough chemistry in the squad or character. On the big occasion, Aberdeen majorly let themselves down, and mainly due to a lack of quality in the final third.
McInnes goes into the summer having lost second place due to this year's fourth place finish. Losing the likes of Gary Mackay-Steven and Shinnie will be tough. It's going to be a summer of clearing out the deadwood and replacing it with quality. He's done it before, and the Dons manager will need to show those street-smarts again.
