Inside Aberdeen pre-season as Connor Barron hint gets fans talking and first snaps of new pitch emerge

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.

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 19-year-old's role as a regular in Goodwin's side for the 2022/23 campaign after the departures of midfielders 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.

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