The case can be made that the last seven days have been Dave Cormack’s most pleasing since succeeding Stewart Milne as chairman at Aberdeen.
The US-based Aberdonian has not had his troubles to seek since assuming the role at the top of the table in the Pittodrie boardroom.
Cormack must feel as if he was dealt a bad hand after poor form on the pitch prompted two managerial changes coming at a time of severe financial fallout from the Covid pandemic.
The lack of transfer activity in January, at a time when Dons fans were screaming for attacking reinforcements, did little to soothe supporters, too.
It brought criticism from fans and sections of the media – this writer included – of the chairman and his revamped football operation led by director of football Steven Gunn and head of recruitment Darren Mowbray.
Time will tell whether the summer transfer window has put the Dons back challenging at the other end of the table, but the early signs are encouraging.
A frantic week of ins and outs at Pittodrie
Certainly in the last week alone, the movement in and out of Pittodrie makes for pleasant viewing among Dons fans.
The sale of Calvin Ramsay to Liverpool has kickstarted a flurry of activity.
With one international midfielder signed in Ylber Ramadani, Jim Goodwin has added to his squad with the capture of Ramadani’s Budapest team-mate Bojan Miovski, with the North Macedonian striker arguably the biggest capture so far after putting pen to paper on a four-year deal.
One glance on social media highlights the dismay among Wycombe Wanderers at the departure of Anthony Stewart for a new challenge with the Dons, while Jayden Richardson and Liam Scales are up and coming young defensive prospects.
There is frustration at Scales’ joining on loan from Celtic, but the Dons have made it known they are keen on making the Irishman’s move to Aberdeen a permanent one if they can.
A months-long pursuit of various goalkeepers has resulted in experienced Dutchman Kelle Roos also agreeing to move to Pittodrie.
Roos replaces Gary Woods, who departed on Friday and he has been joined by Declan Gallagher, whose 12 months at Pittodrie were largely uneventful.
The Scotland international had already been replaced by Scales and Stewart before his contract was terminated.
Gunn and Mowbray have delivered
Goodwin has been quick to sing the praises of Gunn, Mowbray and his chairman for the roles they have played in strengthening the squad.
Gunn and Mowbray were unknown quantities in their new roles at the club but after a slow start it seems they have found their groove.
Fans are certainly feeling much more hopeful about their side’s prospects after a flurry of activity.
The promise of another four or five being targeted – made before Roos’ capture was announced on Saturday night – can only add to the sudden outbreak of optimism around the club.
Even the launch of the new home and away kits seems to have been met with universal acclaim.
Promise of more to come
There is still work to be done and decisions to be made of course.
The likelihood is Gallagher’s departure means another defender is still required while the focus must surely now be on addressing the creativity in the team.
It is no secret Goodwin wants his Dons to be hard-working and high-pressing, but he is still looking for one or two who can provide the guile.
Connor Ronan and Jamie McGrath have been high on the manager’s list of targets. One, if not both, would make a world of difference to this side.
Dons fans will be hoping good things come to those who wait.
For now, though, Cormack and his football staff should be pleased with their efforts. Their manager certainly is.
