Narrowly pipped for "best of the rest" by Livingston last time around, a fourth-place finish was light years away from the relegation battles of previous seasons.

Real evidence of Skovdahl's talented group of youngsters coming of age was there for all to see, particularly at home where the Dons were extremely difficult to beat.

However, the loss of experienced players like Derek Whyte and Robbie Winters, as well as the sometimes brilliant Hicham Zerouali, means Skovdahl must rely on even greater maturity from his young flock.

Skovdahl has been limited to just two signings, but the capture of Eric Deloumeaux from Motherwell for just �50,000 could prove a shrewd move.

Former Sheffield United striker Laurent D'Jaffo will be relied upon to provide the same kind of goal tally as Winters did.

A decent performance in the Uefa Cup and a piece of silverware in the form of the League Cup or the Scottish Cup would be a considerable achievement.