Aberdeen suffered their heaviest ever home defeat in a European tie on Thursday when they lost 5-1 to Sigma Olomouc of the Czech Republic.
It was the worst possible start to Mark McGhee's reign as manager of the club he served with such distinction as a player.
Here, two former Dons give their assessment of the match and their opinions on the club's immediate future.
By Sandy Clark Former Aberdeen coach
First of all, Sigma are a good team. They passed the ball well, are strong and well organised.
The first half was fairly even, but the second half was actually quite embarrassing. Their goalkeeper didn't have a save to make and Aberdeen were totally outclassed.
The main worry for me is the back four. I know Zander Diamond is out injured and he's a massive miss, but they got it all wrong.
Derek Young at full-back for me was a gamble. Charlie Mulgrew and Richard Foster at full-backs would've been a more solid back four. Or even Foster at centre-half with his pace.
That's cost Aberdeen.
For me, the centre-back position is a priority. They need to get someone in there.
It's going to be a difficult season financially for them now
Sandy Clark
Mark McGhee did try to sign Reda Johnson and that didn't happen. Maybe they put all their hopes on getting him and didn't have a back-up target.
It's early in the season yet and Mark's just arrived at the club, but you need to know your squad. If you see frailties then you've got to try and do something about it.
It would've been better buying a centre-half before this game if they had to, rather than taking the risk, and the Europa League money they were hoping to get isn't going to be there.
They have to get players back fit and another two or three in to replace those who've left.
It was hard scoreline to take for Dons players and fans alike
It's going to be a difficult season financially for them now. They may only be able to bring in free transfers.
Mark has signed a goalkeeper, which is an interesting one for me, given the goalkeepers already at the club.
But this game was massively important and you should be working your socks off from the day you come into the club to make sure you get the right people in.
You've got to get your team ready for the start of the start of the season, and this was the start of the season, and you've got to say they've failed miserably.
Now, Mark may have been frustrated in his attempts for whatever reason.
Also, in the second half they didn't look like they could get close to the Sigma players and you've got to ask if in pre-season they've done enough work.
They've got to use the friendly against Hull and the return leg next week to get everything right for the first league game against Celtic in a fortnight.
Everyone is going to have their eye on that match - not necessarily looking for a Dons win but to show a good performance.
Mark will then be judged on how they perform in that match.
By Brian Irvine Former Aberdeen captain
I feel a wee bit shell-shocked about the result. It was a hammering - a real humiliation for Aberdeen.
In the second half there were mistakes which cost goals. It was inexcusable after a positive first-half.
Whether there was a lack of fitness or confidence in the team, I'm not sure.
It's a long way back, and it's a terrible start for an Aberdeen legend in his first game in charge
Brian Irvine
Sigma weren't spectacular, but effective. They passed the ball well, pressed when they didn't have it, and spread out well when they did.
They capitalised on the Dons' mistakes. If they were a bit more disciplined it could've been limited to 2-1, and then the tie is still alive.
Before the game I was also worried deep down over the back four.
Sometimes you learn more from bad defeats. And if Mark goes about it right in terms in preparation and recovery then they can come out stronger for it.
But you just can't sugar-coat tonight.
It's a long way back and it's a terrible start for an Aberdeen legend in his first game in charge.
He'll get time because of his background and history at the club, and one game doesn't ruin a reputation, but it's soured it a bit, and it's certainly a big slap in the face.
Football can kick you in the teeth and Aberdeen fans have been kicked in the teeth. Before the season's even started they're facing early elimination from Europe.
Last season they got through the Uefa Cup group stage and played Bayern Munich and the club made around £2.4m from that.
It's so important how Mark spoke to the players after the match - not necessarily what the content is - as that could mould their relationship.
Then, he'll need to talk to them over the next few days and weeks to analyse things and get to the root of the problem.
But we should also remember Gordon Strachan. He lost 5-0 to Artmedia Bratislava in his first match in charge of Celtic.
He also lost to Clyde in the Scottish Cup. It didn't do any harm to him in the long run given what he went on to achieve.
Brian Irvine and Sandy Clark were speaking on BBC Radio Scotland's Sportsound programme
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