Dave Cormack's 'key issue' at Aberdeen as chairman told challenging Celtic and Rangers is no 'hopeless' task

Dave Cormack needs to sort out his managerial appointment record - but that shouldn't stop Aberdeen pushing to challenge Celtic and Rangers under his ownership.

The American-based businessman is in the process of landing his third Pittodrie boss since last year, following Jim Goodwin's sacking last month, less than a year after the trigger was pulled on Stephen Glass. Interim manager Barry Robson is tasked with keeping them in the fight for Premiership European places currently until new chief executive Alan Burrows arrives later this month to help with a permanent appointment.

A look into the youth academy has impressed former CEO Keith Wyness, but he knows the demand is to get closer to Glasgow pair Celtic and Rangers. That's not an easy task, but it's not impossible, and he tells the Daily Mail recruitment in all areas by chairman Cormack will be key. Wyness said: "It's very difficult to sustain a challenge when there is such a gulf in budgets. But that's always been the case, so I don't think there is any reason why Aberdeen can't expect to be competitive at least. There is no doubt that you can get it right and be a challenger to the big two. Celtic and Rangers get things wrong as well, remember. They have their problems, too. You see them being picked off by English clubs now and having to sell their best players. So I don't see any reason why Aberdeen can't challenge them regardless.

"The challenge is to get recruitment right, Dave Cormack is right to start focusing more on the academy at Cormack Park. When those things are right and you bring through young players like Calvin Ramsay, you have to reinvest the money wisely.

"There will always be a season or two where you can get up there to push them and I don't