Aberdeen FC could release up to eleven players following their Scottish Cup semi-final defeat by lower-league Queen of the South FC.

Out-of-contract midfielder Barry Nicholson has confirmed he will leave Pittodrie at the season's end while goalkeeper Derek Soutar, striker Steve Lovell and defenders Richie Byrne and David Bus are also expected to move on. Manager Jimmy Calderwood said: "These decisions are never easy but they are necessary as we move forward and prepare for the next campaign and beyond."