Tom McIntyre has backed Aberdeen to bounce back from their annus horribilis. The former defender, who left the club last month, acknowledged the difficulties the Dons faced this season.
A Tough Season for Aberdeen
The Dons entered the campaign as Scottish Cup holders but never got going. They had to sack manager Jimmy Thelin and headhunt Stephen Robinson from St Mirren to safeguard their Premiership status. McIntyre said: "It has been a tough season at Aberdeen this year. It hasn't gone the way they hoped. Being such a big club in Scotland, there is a responsibility that comes with that. It has been disappointing."
He added: "With Aberdeen winning the Scottish Cup the season before for the first time in a long, long time, it was a season that should have been built on. You look at Hearts, they were relegated and had to come back up. Clubs go through ups and downs. Aberdeen is big enough to be back."
McIntyre's Injury Woes
McIntyre, 27, moved to the Dons on a short-term contract in January. He went straight into the team but suffered a hamstring injury in March, which ended his season. He said: "I signed a short-term deal in January. I went in there and was doing alright. I played four or five games in about 10 days or so. From going to not playing that many games to playing a lot of games in a short space of time, I picked up a hamstring injury. I came back down to Reading to do my rehab. I trust them, I am back running. It was frustrating but that is life. I've had setbacks before and I will get over it."
Looking Ahead
McIntyre is now a free agent and is set to look for a new club this summer. He said: "It is a very worrying time as being out-of-contract is a worrying time as most footballers would confirm. I am going to get as fit as I can get. The PFA do a pre-season training programme which I have signed up for. I am hoping I can go in there and impress. I am looking forward to a new chapter."
McIntyre kicked off his career at Reading and went back there to do his rehab. He said: "I would love to go back to Reading one day. I love the club. It would be an honour to go back. I know how football works. Maybe it will come up at some stage."
