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Joe Harper: Great to hear Aberdeen boss Jim Goodwin is already looking at January window changes

Aberdeen's Bojan Miovski celebrates after he scored a penalty against Livingston.
Aberdeen's Bojan Miovski celebrates after he scored a penalty against Livingston.

Boss Jim Goodwin has shown there will be no let up in his bid for success by confirming he is already looking at the January transfer window.

A successful summer window for the Dons only closed two weeks ago.

However, you cannot stand still in football.

It is vital to keep moving forward and building, which is why I am delighted Goodwin is already putting in plans for the winter window.

Aberdeen secured 11 new signings during the summer and all the new additions have been of a high quality, but it is far from job done.

Aberdeen manager Jim Goodwin during the 1-1 draw with Ross County.

Aberdeen have to back up the strong summer transfer business by strengthening even further in the next window.

Keep adding block on block to the rebuilding process.

Goodwin confirmed he and his recruitment team are already looking at potential signing targets for January.

They are also planning for every eventuality – such as clubs coming in for first team regulars or players without game time wanting to leave.

Aberdeen currently occupy third spot in the Premiership table.

If they are still near the top end of the table in January, it can act as a lure for signing targets.

Aberdeen’s Luis Lopes scores to make it 1-0 with a sublime scissors kick against Ross County.

One of the strengths of Goodwin’s rebuilt team is that there is competition for places in every position now.

If a player’s form dips there is someone waiting to take his place.

That competition is healthy and absolutely fundamental to a successful team.

No player should feel that they are a shoo-in for a starting slot every game regardless of form.

Looking to strengthen even further in January will only increase that competition for places.

It keeps every player on their toes. They will know that any slip in standards will result in being dropped.

Ylber Ramadani during a recent Aberdeen training session.

And with players on the bench hungry to impress, if someone does lose that starting slot, they will face a battle to get it back.

Manager Goodwin’s summer rebuild is paying off as the Reds are passing the ball well and pose an attacking threat.

Aberdeen have been scoring goals and have a potent strike threat in summer signing Bojan Miovski.

Former Benfica striker Luis “Duk” Lopes is also delivering a strong argument to get a starting slot.

Duk netted a superb goal late on against Ross County that should have been enough to secure a third successive Premiership win.

To concede with the last kick of the game deep into injury time at Dingwall to draw 1-1 was a disaster for the Dons.

However, what I like about this team is that they are playing as a team already.

Eight of the starting XI against Ross County were summer signings, but they have gelled very quickly.

The players all seem to know what their teammates will do and there is that understanding between the Dons.

Matty Kennedy (L) and Vicente Besuijen during training in preparation for the Rangers game.

A successful season is all about teamwork and understanding.

That Aberdeen appear to have forged that already bodes well for the future.

There is a positivity about the Dons at the moment.

However, Goodwin is right not to rest on his laurels by already looking to strengthen further in January.

Summer signings Anthony Stewart, left, Hayden Coulson, centre, and Ylber Ramadani during an Aberdeen training session.

Aberdeen must stop Martin Boyle

If Aberdeen keep the shackles on Martin Boyle they will greatly reduce the chance of Hibs scoring at Easter Road on Saturday.

Australian international Boyle is their main threat. He has a blistering pace and a real eye for goal.

Aberdonian Boyle has played on the right wing for Hibs in their last two games.

However, he is also very dangerous when played as a striker and Aberdeen must be ready to limit his influence regardless of where Boyle plays.

Aberdeen failed in a bid to sign Boyle last summer.

Hibs attacker Martin Boyle in action for the Easter Road club.

Since then he moved to Saudi Arabian side Al-Faisaly for a seven-figure sum in January.

He then returned to Easter Road this summer following Al -Faisaly’s relegation.

Aberdeen also have players who pose a dangerous threat in attack.

The loss of Leighton Clarkson to a two-game suspension is a blow.

However, someone will have to step up to replace the on-loan Liverpool midfielder at Easter Road.

That is what squads are for. It is time for someone else to stake a claim for a starting spot in Clarkson’s absence.

Leighton Clarkson of Aberdeen celebrates after he scores a sensational free kick at St Johnstone.

Saturday night football experiment

There is no harm in Aberdeen testing Saturday night football to see what the reaction from supporters is.

The Dons’ upcoming home and away matches against Dundee United have been switched to later kick-offs.

Aberdeen’s trip to Tannadice on Saturday, October 8 and the home clash at Pittodrie on Saturday, November 12 will both be 6pm.

Aberdeen fans during the 1-1 draw at Ross County.

The change was made in the hope a 6pm kick-off time could help boost crowds.

It could be a successful experiment as there are footballers at junior and amateur level who play at 3pm on Saturday.

The later kick-off will give them the chance to cheer on the Dons.

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