Miller, still smarting at the Active nation Scottish Cup exit to Raith Rovers and a limp defeat to Falkirk last Saturday, insisted the season was far from over.

“There are 13 games left,” he said, “and still so much to play for. No matter how disappointing recent results have been we must move forward and be positive.

“This may not be a season to remember but we’ll be going all out to ensure it is not one to forget. To achieve that, a united effort is needed and we must all work together to turn around this disappointing run. The players, management and the fans all have to be unified to achieve that.”

Meanwhile, manager Mark McGhee admitted it was unlikely Steven MacLean and Jim Paterson, both on loan from Plymouth Argyle until the end of the season, could be persuaded to remain at Pittodrie beyond that agreement.

“I don’t think we’ll be able to afford them,” he said. “It looks as if we’re going to have to persuade players of their quality to come here for a third of the money they could earn elsewhere.”

©2010 The Herald