Aberdeen manager Jimmy Calderwood has already held talks with potential new signings as he sets about a massive rebuilding job at Pittodrie.Up to 10 players could leave the Granite City this summer, with Barry Nicholson, Derek Soutar, Steve Lovell and Richie Byrne among those definitely heading to pastures new.

But Calderwood is well under way with his plans to recruit fresh blood.

When asked if he had spoken with any targets, Calderwood said: "I wouldn't be doing my job if I hadn't."

Calderwood revealed his planning for next season started half a year ago, leaving him optimistic it will not be long until he can start drafting in new players.

He said: "We have been working on it for quite a long time, probably six months, so hopefully it can start very soon."

As for whether he is confident he will be able to attract top quality signings to Aberdeen, Calderwood said: "We will do our best and there is money there to pay transfers.

"Obviously, players out of contract are important, as are young players like Sone Aluko and Josh Walker, who play for quality teams down in England."

With such a large turnover of players at the end of the season, there will certainly be a lot of upheaval at the club for Calderwood to deal with.

Nevertheless, the Dons boss believes sweeping changes could leave his side feeling refreshed ahead of the new campaign.

Calderwood said: "It is disappointing to see a lot of good players leaving but you have to get on with it.

"There could be eight to 10 new players for next season, which is sometimes good for a club.

"It refreshes things, in the dressing room, for the management staff and for supporters.

"The great thing about Aberdeen Football Club is there are players still wanting to come here.

"I don't need to phone them because they phone me, which is brilliant and makes life a lot easier."

Calderwood also had to make significant alterations to the Aberdeen squad when he joined the club after leaving Dunfermline in 2004.

But he believes repeating what he did four seasons ago will be difficult.

"At that moment it was a rebuilding job in such that we had to get stability defensively," he explained.

"There were a lot of good players already here, so that was a lot easier.

"We got a good squad together and got good players in, such as Scott Severin, for nothing.

"We had Markus Heikkinen, Russell Anderson, Kevin McNaughton and Michael Hart, which was a back four you could play in the English Championship with.

"So it was just about giving them confidence in time and bringing some fresh blood into midfield.

"This one is a little bit harder because there will be a lot more players who have to get used to playing at Aberdeen Football Club.

"They have to get used to the expectations of Aberdeen Football Club and if it is going well, it is great.

"But if it is not, they have to be ready and strong enough to accept the criticism."

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