Former St Mirren boss Jim Goodwin admits he isn't expecting a warm welcome from the travelling support inside Pittodrie on Sunday afternoon.
But that won't stop him hoping for one as he comes up against the Paisley club for the first time since taking over as Aberdeen manager.
Goodwin was a firm fan favourite as a player and in the dugout, having skippered the Buddies to League Cup glory in 2013 while also leading them to two cup semi-finals as boss last season.
He's failed to hit the ground running at Aberdeen but insists he will have take a potentially negative reaction from the Saints supporters on the chin given the timing of his departure this season.
Goodwin said: "It doesn't add any spice to it. I am looking forward to seeing a number of my old staff members and obviously all the players.
"Every player pretty much in that squad are my players. I brought them all to the club and we had enjoyed some decent days together, decent results, a couple of semi-finals last season.
"We were having a great season prior to me leaving. We were in and around the top six and doing quite well at the time, and I think we probably would have got the top six but the opportunity to come here was far too big to turn down.
"I hope I get a nice reception off the fans but I am not holding my breath because I know I disappointed one or two of them in the manner that I left. But the majority of the ones I have spoken to understand the reasoning behind me leaving.
"I loved my time at St Mirren, the people behind the scenes were great to me. I made some great friends during the time there as a player and then obviously latterly as a manager.
"One of the best days out ever as a player, winning the League Cup, and they gave me my opportunity in full-time management. I will be eternally grateful to them as a club and there is absolutely no hard feelings.
"Whatever way the reaction goes with the St Mirren fans, I will take it on the chin.
"They are a great club and I wish them nothing but success in the future, but obviously on Sunday we have to be professional and I have to go and try to get a result for Aberdeen."
