Alex Miller will stage the biggest clear-out at Pittodrie in 30 years by chopping 15 players.

The Dons manager promised a radical restructuring after another season spent beating the drop, and that is what he has delivered.

Reserve keeper Derek Stillie has joined under-achievers Paul Bernard, Dean Windass, Brian O'Neil, and Tzanko Tzvetanov on the for-sale list. Michael Watt and Joe Miller are leaving under freedom of contract while Stephen Glass is on his way to Newcastle for a fee to be decided by tribunal.

In addition, Miller has freed fringe players Michael Craig, Malcolm Kpedekpo, Mike Newlands, Duncan Buchan, Karl Williamson, Robert Brown, and Lee Barclay.

That makes it 15 departures in all from what previous manager Roy Aitken said under a year ago was the strongest squad in recent times at Aberdeen.

It also means cut-price deals for players who cost a total in excess of #3m to bring in. However, Miller refused to criticise Aitken's purchasing policy and said: ''Every manager has different opinions of players. What I want to build is a squad who want to play in the team and not just be content to be part of the club.

''I see this as the first step towards building a stronger pool of players but I'm sure the guys listed can do a good job elsewhere. The decision to make some available for transfer is no reflection whatsoever on their abilities.

''It's more about how I personally see the way forward for Aberdeen and I have explained that to them face to face.''

The biggest surprise was the decision to offload #1m record signing Bernard just months after Miller had approved a lucrative new contract for the player. Miller explained: ''Paul had virtually done a deal for a new contract with the previous regime. I just feel that Paul hasn't played enough football to merit staying in my plans.''

He has confirmed a move for Middlesbrough midfielder Craig Hignett and expects a decision from the player soon, but dismissed a reported #500,000 move for Celt Darren Jackson as ''nonsense.''

q DUNDEE United directors are ready to meet the action group calling for major changes in the way the club is run.

United for Change were given the go-ahead at a rally on Sunday to ask for talks with the board over concerns with the way the club is financially structured as well as recent poor performances. Chairman Jim McLean, at a media conference at the ground yesterday, said: ''When the letter is received from the people seeking a meeting, it will be considered.''

qDEFENDER Flavio Conceicao yesterday became the second player this week to drop out of Brazil's World Cup squad.

Conceicao, of Deportivo La Coruna, who has suffered ligament injury to his right knee, will be replaced by Ze Carlos of Sao Paulo and will act as cover to Cafu. Fellow defender Marcio Santos is the other to have been withdrawn.