LONG-SERVING keeper Jamie Langfield looks to be in the frame to succeed legend Jim Leighton as the club’s goalie coach.

Dons boss Derek McInnes wouldn’t confirm his plans following the shock departure of Gothenburg Great Leighton, who was asked to leave Pittodrie for the second time in six years last week.

But he did admit he has no plans to take in anyone from the outside to take on the task of training the club’s keepers at all age levels.

That opens the door for veteran Langfield, who is about to enter his testimonial season, to be asked to combine that task with his playing duties. McInnes said: “We will deal with that over the next few weeks.”

Leighton’s swift departure stunned many at Pittodrie.

The 56-year-old declined the offer from McInnes to say farewell to their fans at their game against St Johnstone.

McInnes admitted the decision to part company with such a club legend was not an easy one to make.

He said: “Some decisions managers have to make are harder than others and that was one of the toughest.

“But everything I do is for what I see as the best way forward for the club.

“I thanked Jim for his efforts. He was a valuable member of my staff and served this club brilliantly for many years. I know how much the club meant to Jim but just felt there was a need for a change in that department.

“It was made for football reasons and nothing else.”