Breaking the 70 point barrier again is Aberdeen manager Derek McInnes’s immediate target in the Scottish Premiership this season.
The Dons failed to reach the milestone for the first time in five campaigns last season as they finished fourth on goal difference behind Kilmarnock on 67 points.
Having finished runners-up to champions Celtic in the four previous campaigns McInnes wants his players to restore their standing this term.
He said: “The aim is to be as competitive as we can. Our poorest tally is 67 points and we’ve always tried to aim for 70-plus points as that has guaranteed us second or third place.
“We’re delighted we’re back in Europe but I’m hoping we don’t suffer as many injuries this season so we can be as competitive as we can and show the same consistency we have shown in the last six years.
“There are good managers and good players in this league so we will have to show our strengths from the first game.”
The challenge becomes greater with each passing season following the departure of high-profile players in recent years.
McInnes has lost Jonny Hayes, Kenny McLean, Adam Rooney and Graeme Shinnie but he is ready for the challenge of replacing them.
He said: “What we are finding is we are losing players, certainly over the last three years we’ve lost an average of four starters every year, and it is difficult to replace them.
“The challenge for me is to try to replace them but you cannot always get like for like. Players improve here and they move on but we still have the nucleus of a good squad and we’re working hard to try to maintain the standard everyone expects at this club.
“Managers don’t get a chance to relax. I had a nice holiday with my family but my wife would tell you every day I’m working, constantly trying to bring players in. I’ve had a good break but it’s nice to be back to work too and hopefully we can bring a few more players in before the Europa League game.”
The Dons start their campaign at home to Hearts on Saturday August 3 but McInnes hopes the opening day of the season is put back 24 hours.
He said: “We’re delighted to have a home fixture. We hope the game gets moved to the Sunday as it will mean we are still involved in the Europa League but we feel the fixtures have been pretty kind to us in the initial period. As tough a game as Hearts will be, we’re glad to be at home.”
Celtic will kick-off their quest for a ninth straight title against St Johnstone on August 3.
Neil Lennon’s side host Saints at Parkhead as they set off on their attempt to equal a feat only previously achieved by Jock Stein’s Hoops of the late 1960s and early 1970s and the 1990s Rangers team bossed by Walter Smith.
Steven Gerrard’s Rangers, who finished runners-up last season, get their campaign up and running the following day as they take on Kilmarnock – who will have new boss Angelo Alessio in charge for the first time in domestic competition – at Rugby Park.
The first Old Firm derby is scheduled for Ibrox over the fourth weekend on August 31, although all dates are subject to change for television broadcast purposes.
Newly-promoted Ross County will hoist the flag following last year’s Championship triumph when they get their season started at home to Hamilton on August 3.
In the other opening day matches in the top flight Hibernian welcome St Mirren to Leith while Motherwell travel to Livingston.