THE ABERDEEN squad will reassemble at Pittodrie for pre-season training this weekend - with Barry Nicholson.
The Dons players will embark on the club's strict fitness programme this weekend, and with Nicholson still unable to find the club he so desperately wants in England, he will join in the punishing schedule as usual.
Dons boss Jimmy Calderwood said: "When I was handing out the training plans before the break, I went round the dressing-room until I reached Barry Nicholson.
"I didn't think he would need one because he had already made his decision to leave, but he asked for a schedule anyway because he wanted to go away and get himself prepared for the new season in the right way."
MEANWHILE, a trialist that Aberdeen rejected in favour of flop Dan Smith is set to get a second chance at the club.
Versatile left-sided player Sofiane Zaaboub trained with the Pittodrie side in 2006, but Smith, who has since been released, must have somehow impressed Calderwood more.
The 25-year-old Frenchman has been playing for Swindon Town since his trial but has not had his contract renewed by manager Maurice Malpas, despite making 22 starts last term for the League 1 outfit.
The player's agent said: "A number of clubs are keen. There are sides from Scotland, the Championship, League 1 and France.
"Sofiane would like to try Scotland."