The presence or absence of the country's biggest clubs in the top division has proved to be a regular talking point over the past few years with Hearts, Hibernian, Rangers and now Dundee United plying their trade in the lower leagues.

While some of the game's traditional powerhouses have foundered, Aberdeen have enjoyed a mini renaissance of sorts under the calm and assured guidance of Derek McInnes. And yet for all the progress the Dons have made under his stewardship, 2016/17 has the feel of a defining moment for the club and their manager.

Just as in Scottish politics the old certainties are being challenged and on the back of successive second place finishes, the campaign ahead presents the Dons with the chance to reinforce their position as the main contenders to the throne. Fall back and the momentum McInnes has proudly built up since arriving in the north east in 2013 could grind to a halt.

It sounds as if the manager knows it too. Following a season spent pushing and probing Celtic well into the split, McInnes used his post-match media conference following a 3-2 loss at Parkhead in May to call on his board to back him in the market for another title fight.

If much of Aberdeen's recent joy has been grounded in stability then this close season represents a slight but necessary break from the mould. Key personnel such as Niall McGinn, Jonny Hayes and Adam Rooney all remain but experienced performers such as Willo Flood and Barry Robson have been allowed to depart. Holding on to Shay Logan's services may be the best piece of business done all summer.

Key targets have been identified and secured quickly with Jayden Stockley providing a credible alternative or perhaps partner for Adam Rooney while Miles Storey will bring pace and trickery to the attack which David Goodwillie couldn't. The goalkeeping department appears significantly strengthened from the second half of last year with Joe Lewis and Neil Alexander while attacker Wes Burns has made an impressive start to his loan from Bristol City.

Aberdeen's first task is to consolidate their position in what looks likely to be a much stronger Premiership amid challenges from Hearts and Rangers. Parts of the squad appear stronger and deeper than last term with key additions still required at the back in midfield.

Pushing Celtic all the way until Spring will bring added expectation from supporters and casual observers with runs in both cup competitions likely to be given added importance after poor showing last time around. The Dons are in Europe for the third campaign running and that early start proved to be beneficial last term as they won all of their opening eight league games.

To do anything more Aberdeen must draw inspiration from Atletico Madrid and it would be no surprise if McInnes had closely studied their methods. Like Los Rojiblancos, the Dons are built on defensive solidity and have been in the top three for fewest goals conceded in each of the last three seasons.

The role of the two full-backs is critical to Aberdeen's success and it was no shock to see Logan and Shinnie bomb up and down the flanks all season long, linking up with wide men McGinn and Hayes to provide the ammunition for clinical finisher Rooney. Just like Atleti, Aberdeen are at their best when soaking up pressure and lulling their opponents into a false sense of security before springing into life with precision on the counter attack.

All this means that while they are not always pretty to watch, and few teams are, Aberdeen are a team to be respected and greatly admired. However as we have seen from both teams, their style does come with a price and drawbacks. The physical demands placed on both wingers and full backs to cover ground in this system takes a heavy toll over the course of a full campaign. Jonny Hayes suffered a few knocks last year while Niall McGinn may require some rest after his exploits at Euro 2016 with Northern Ireland. Adam Rooney's injury at a crucial period of the campaign hit the Reds hard and despite the valiant efforts of Simon Church, they were not the same fluid unit without their leading attacker.

Derek McInnes may not indulge in the same touchline histrionics as Diego Simeone but both men have built sides in their image, revelling in the underdog role and refusing to bow down to more illustrious opponents. Two home victories over Celtic saw Aberdeen overcome a significant psychological barrier but their mentality was questioned during other points in the campaign such as back-to-back home draws over the festive period against Inverness CT and Partick Thistle, which saw them miss the chance to go top of the table.

There are some intriguing tactical issues surrounding the side with McInnes generally favouring the 4-2-3-1 system. However he has never been adverse to switching to 4-4-2 in the past and may choose to do so again with both Rooney and Stockley or introduce Miles Storey to play off the main forward. Jonny Hayes was also used in a more central role at times last season and then there is the question around playing Graeme Shinnie at left back or as a central midfielder.

A reluctance to make any loud public proclamations over their ambitions seemed sensible but divided opinion in the Scottish sporting landscape. A reluctance to discuss the title race until late into the season was McInnes' way of playing down his team's chances but the feeling was that the message inside the dressing room was much more positive. Shielding his players from the weight of expectation has been the club's go-to move and expect that to continue to in the wake of increased competition at the top end of the league.

Ending the club's 19-year wait for a trophy and consistently high league finishes ensures McInnes has plenty of credit left in the bank with supporters, who naturally crave more success after the 2014 League Cup triumph. Keeping expectations at a reasonable level may be one of his key tasks next term as well as fighting off some fellow rejuvenated Scottish giants.

It's time to find out just how far Derek McInnes' Dons can really go.