Jim Goodwin admits discussions are well underway with potential signings as he aims to bolster his Aberdeen squad for next season.
Defeat against Ross County on Saturday sealed the Dons bottom six fate for the first time since 2013.
And there's been a black cloud around the Red Army in recent weeks which is why Goodwin knows how important a summer squad overhaul will be.
Goodwin was tasked with trying to save a disastrous season after being drafted into the Pittodrie hot seat in February to replace Stephen Glass.
“I have been brought in here to make some difficult decisions", Goodwin told the Press and Journal.
“I asked for that bit of autonomy when I took the job as manager. I want to be allowed to make those decisions.
“Only time will tell whether they are the right ones, but we have identified some very good players.
“We are talking to a lot of good players at the moment, to try and strengthen the squad for next season.
“We need to do better across the board and we will all take responsibility for what has happened.
“Hopefully we will not be in this position next season.”
Goodwin made the huge call to let Scott Brown leave early into his Pittodrie tenure and has announced stalwart Andrew Considine won't have his contract renewed.
While he's terminated the contract of long term absentee Michael Devlin with it looking increasingly unlikely Jay Emmanuel-Thomas, Dylan McGeouch and Funso Ojo will be at the club next season.
These have been decisions that the former St Mirren boss knew he would be facing when taking the managerial role in the Granite City.
"I knew the task in hand when I took the job", Goodwin added.
"Of course, I looked at the squad prior to coming in and I had those discussions with the owner and board.
“I expressed that we do need to make changes, we do need to freshen things up.
“That’s not just on a players’ perspective, but behind the scenes with some of the backroom staff."
On Monday Goodwin said sorry to the Red Army and vowed the Reds will not finish in the bottom six again under his management.
