9/10
LEAGUE: 3rd, 68pts (2012-13 - 8th, 48pts)
SCOTTISH CUP: Semi finals
LEAGUE CUP: Winners
MOST USED FIRST XI: Jamie Langfield, Mark Reynolds, Russell Anderson, Andrew Considine, Joe Shaughnessy, Ryan Jack, Willo Flood, Jonny Hayes, Barry Robson, Peter Pawlett, Niall McGinn
OVERVIEW: The loss of second place in the final seconds of the campaign shouldn't detract from what has been the best season for Aberdeen in a generation. The League Cup win was all the more wonderful as it came in front of 40,000 Dons fans, many of whom will never have known success like it. The squad seemed to run out of steam in the last few weeks, also missing out on a Scottish Cup final, but most supporters will focus on the first top six finish in five seasons and the largely entertaining football on display, and thank their lucky stars that their club is a million miles ahead of where it was under Mark McGhee and Craig Brown.
HIGH POINTS: Even as a Caley Thistle fan in the losing end, it was impossible not to feel a little bit happy for the Red Army that descended on Celtic Park on a Sunday in March. It was a rotten game, but Aberdeen deserved the win. And what a party it was!
LOW POINTS: It says something about how good 2013-14 was for Derek McInnes' side that narrowly missing out on second place and a second cup final appearance is something to moan about. But Craig Reid's winner for Motherwell, and Stevie May's strikes for St. Johnstone were blows in games that Aberdeen should have won. The Reid goal in particular will be talked about for a while.
STAR MAN: I can't believe that Mark Reynolds has committed himself to spending the best years of his career at Pittodrie - he should be playing at a higher level. Solid in the air and on the deck, and comfortable in possession too, I can't understand why he isn't in Gordon Strachan's plans.
ONE FOR THE FUTURE: It's two years since Craig Brown suggested that Cammy Smith had a bit of Dennis Bergkamp about him, which is a hell of a label for a young boy. But I've been impressed whenever I've seen him play, and I reckon we'll see a step up in play from the forward, 19 in August, in 2014-15.
WASTE OF SPACE: Calvin Zola. Dear oh dear. He did actually score a few goals, but that hasn't prevented opinions about him ranging from "clumsy" (mine) to "the worst player I've ever seen" (a close friend's). He's under contract for next season, but I would be surprised if the big forward is in the manager's plans.
THE BOSS: McInnes has made a huge impact, no question, and this season has already largely restored a managerial reputation damaged by a rotten spell at Bristol City. His signings have not all been hits, but he has improved the team in all areas both in terms of personnel and organization. Given what Aberdeen fans have gone through in the last couple of decades, they'll probably build a statue of him if the team is half-decent next season.
PROSPECTS FOR NEXT SEASON: Second place has to be the target, and it's a realistic one too. A wee run in the Europa League would be nice, too. Expect McInnes to use his contacts down south to find a left back and another forward, while convincing Shaleum Logan to make his loan move permanent is a priority.
FIRST TEAMERS DEFINITELY LEAVING: Shaleum Logan (end of loan), Josh Magennis, Alan Tate (end of loan), Scott Vernon, Nicky Weaver
L.
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