Aberdeen legend Doug Rougvie fears his old club will never be able to match Celtic

Doug Rougvie was a formidable centre-half during the most successful period in Aberdeen's history.

He was part of the glory days when the Granite City club lorded over Scottish football, with both Celtic and Rangers in their shadow.

Despite the club breaking their record points total this year, even he can’t see them toppling Celtic for the Premiership title any time soon.

Rougvie lifted two league titles, three Scottish Cups, the UEFA Cup Winners' Cup and European Super Cup during his time at Pittodrie under Sir Alex Ferguson but that was in a different era and he claims even Sir Alex agrees they will struggle to become champions again.

To match Celtic and their spending powers, we can’t do that. I don’t think we can go much further unless we can match Celtic in their spending.

Rougvie said: "Fergie was up here when he was getting the key to the city and said an interesting thing: 'Aberdeen will have to be pleased with third place because the Old Firm’s there'.

"And it’s true. But because the Ibrox side aren’t there, I think we will be delighted with second, especially with Hearts coming up and Dundee United getting their form back again.

"Being an ex-Aberdeen player, I would love for them to be able to go and win the title. But I don't think they will. Second place is what we will be vying for next year. If we get second place next year, do well in Europe and go on a good cup run I will be delighted.

'Remarkable'

"To match Celtic and their spending powers, we can't do that. I don't think we can go much further unless we can match Celtic in their spending. They're definitely a step above us because they've got the correct people on the park playing for them."

Rougvie might have a less than optimistic view of Aberdeen's future title chances, but he is full of praise for the job manager Derek McInnes and his team have done since being appointed in January 2013.

"It's been remarkable really. I’ve watched them under Craig Brown and Archie Knox and I think they’ve improved in all areas and brought in good players. Plus winning the League Cup last year was fantastic," he said.

However, the former Chelsea and Scotland defender is wary McInnes' success could ultimately see him leave Pittodrie.

"Football is that sort of game, we are all mercenaries," he added. "If he can better himself, then why would you hold him back?

If he (McInnes) did go down to Rangers, it opens it up for someone else to be our manager. And Aberdeen have always done that.

"If he did go down to Rangers, it opens it up for someone else to be our manager. And Aberdeen have always done that. We've always made a position ready for people to go and see if they can do well for themselves.

"Aberdeen historically has always been a feeder club, even when we ended up winning the Super Cup, the league championship and Scottish Cup in one year.

"And they were still selling our players. We’ve always been a feeder club. Best team in Europe at that time and we were still selling playing players, and that’s what we will always be and that’s the bottom line."