Jim Goodwin says discussions are already well under way in an effort to strengthen Aberdeen’s squad for next season.
The Dons were consigned to a bottom-six finish, following their 1-0 defeat to Ross County on Saturday.
It is the first time the Reds have failed to make the top six since 2013.
It marks a bitterly disappointing end to a poor season, which saw former St Mirren boss Goodwin drafted in to replace the sacked Stephen Glass in February.
Goodwin insists fresh faces are required during what looks likely to be another summer of transition at Pittodrie.
Goodwin said: “I have been brought in here to make some difficult decisions.
“I asked for that bit of autonomy when I took the job as manager. I want to be allowed to make those decisions.
“Only time will tell whether they are the right ones, but we have identified some very good players.
“We are talking to a lot of good players at the moment, to try and strengthen the squad for next season.
“We need to do better across the board and we will all take responsibility for what has happened.
“Hopefully we will not be in this position next season.”
Changes already afoot at Pittodrie
Goodwin has already signalled his intent to make changes, with a number of players and staff having left the club.
Former skipper Scott Brown and defender Mikey Devlin have already departed, while long-serving defender Andy Considine and striker Jay Emmanuel-Thomas are on their way out of the club.
In addition, goalkeeping coach Gordon Marshall and head of medical and football science Adam Stokes have moved on.
Goodwin thinks changes are necessary, adding: “I knew the task in hand when I took the job. Of course, I looked at the squad prior to coming in and I had those discussions with the owner and board.
“I expressed that we do need to make changes, we do need to freshen things up.
“That’s not just on a players’ perspective, but behind the scenes with some of the backroom staff.
“We have already made some extremely difficult decisions, but they have had to be made.
“In order for the club to move forward, we have to bring in some fresh talent.
“Unfortunately, when that happens, people have to move on.”
Dons boss understands frustration of supporters
Aberdeen’s supporters voiced their anger at the team’s shortcomings following the late defeat to County on Saturday.
Goodwin understands the frustration, adding: “This club belongs to the supporters.
“Myself, the staff and the players are employees of the club. Inevitably, like every other club, the supporters are the ones who keep the club alive and generations of their families have been here.
They have every right to criticise us off the back of what has happened.
“We had an opportunity to get top six. We had to win and hope Hearts did us a favour. Hearts did their bit, but we weren’t able to do our end.
“We’ve just got to face what comes our way here.
“This probably does just about sum up the way the season has gone.
“A club of this stature, with this squad available, should not be in this position. We all take responsibility for that.”