Just had a thought when replying to the Derek McInnes thread - my instinct is that we are at a higher level now than when McInnes joined so it should be easier / a base requirement for a new manager to match his achievements in his first couple of seasons. But is that actually right in terms of our playing squad?

McInnes came in and had this squad of senior players:

GK
Jamie Langfield

DF
Joe Shaughnessy
Clark Robertson
Russell Anderson
Andrew Considine
Mark Reynolds

MID
Jonny Hayes
Peter Pawlett
Nicky Low
Ryan Jack
Cammy Smith

FW
Niall McGinn
Scott Vernon
Josh Magennis

He added to this by signing for the first team (initially):

Nicky Weaver
Michael Hector (loan)
Willo Flood
Barry Robson
Gregg Wylde
Calvin Zola

The new gaffer will come into these players contracted for next season:

GK
Joe Lewis

DF
Andrew Considine
Ross McCrorie

MID
Dean Campbell
Lewis Ferguson
Dylan McGeouch
Ryan Hedges
Matty Kennedy
Jonny Hayes
Funso Ojo?

FW
...

Not including loans, I think our expiring contracts (who might yet stay) are:

Tommie Hoban
Ash Taylor
Michael Devlin
Greg Leigh
Shay Logan
Niall McGinn
Connor McLennan
Bruce Anderson


I am not sure how to categorise Ronny Hernandez (one for the accountants...)

This could all be totally wrong and it is hard to compare with benefit of hindsight (and players ages, etc.) but purely based on squad ability, I'd say McInnes inherited a significantly better squad than he leaves? And with easier gaps to fill (i.e. he clearly needed to sign central midfielders)

Just wanted to open the debate!