To be fair, I don’t think it’s wild optimism to expect improvement next season. The signs feel right: a proper pre-season, a manager who’s had time to see the squad up close, and a chance for everyone to start with a cleaner slate. That’s the angle — steady progress rather than fireworks, and I’m quietly confident.

Fitness will be the difference

We all remember seasons where legs went in the latter stages and that hurt us. A rigorous pre-season does more than shift a few pounds — it builds stamina, sharpens pressing, and gives lads confidence to play at a higher tempo for longer. You can see how fitness underpins everything: transitions, closing down, and staying compact for 90 minutes.

McInnes’s assessment matters

McInnes has had time to properly assess the squad. Whether he’s highlighted who stays, who needs work or who might be moved on, that clarity helps the club make sensible choices. Experience counts when you’re judging attitude as much as ability. And a manager who knows his players can set roles and expectations from day one.

Man-management and the fan role

He’s known as a good man-manager and that matters in tight games when confidence wobbles. Coaxing better performances out of individuals can turn draws into wins. But it’s a two-way street — fans have a part to play. You can groan, sure, but constant abuse does nobody any good. Letting players try things, giving them a bit of leeway after mistakes, that helps more than people think. Positive support can be the difference between a player shrinking or growing into the shirt.

All in all, I’m not asking for miracles. Just a collective step up: fitter lads, clearer roles from the manager, and a crowd that backs rather than breaks confidence. If we get that, we’ll be a far better outfit than last season. Let’s see where it takes us — I, for one, am looking forward to finding out.

Written by Jim217: 7 August 2026

Tags: injury tactics transfers match-review