JIM GOODWIN has answered the Dundee United SOS to try to keep the club in the Premiership.
The 41-year-old Irishman, sacked by Aberdeen just five weeks ago, has accepted an offer to replace Liam Fox who was sacked in the aftermath of the 4-0 collapse against Ross County in Dingwall at the weekend.
Goodwin will now be in the Tannadice hot seat for the remainder of the campaign as the Tayside outfit attempt to climb off the foot of the table.
Incredibly, the manager’s first game in charge on Saturday will be against the club who fired him following the 6-0 flop against Hibs at Easter Road just five days after the team’s humiliating 1-0 Scottish Cup exit at Darvel.
Goodwin, speaking to the club website, said: “I’m delighted to be given the opportunity to manage this fabulous club which has a rich history and a passionate fanbase.
“I recognise the job at hand – the sole aim for the remainder of the season is to maintain our Premiership status.
“I realise it is a huge task, but I wouldn’t have taken the job on if I didn’t believe in the players, staff and my own abilities to be successful here.
“I’m incredibly excited to get started on my journey with Dundee United.”
Goodwin’s short-term contract was struck after a dramatic day off behind-the-scenes talks.
Craig Levein had been approached and became the frontrunner to return to United after discussing a deal on Tuesday night, but the ex-Scotland international manager had reservations about the role.
Former Hibs, Ross County and Dunfermline gaffer John Hughes was also interviewed, but Goodwin emerged as the frontrunner when he made it clear he would be willing to accept a short-term deal.
He will be joined at the club by No.2 Lee Sharpe with centre-back Charlie Mulgrew continuing in his role as a first-team coach.
Chairman Mark Ogren added: “Alongside the other board members, Scott Ogren and Jimmy Fyffe, I wholeheartedly have confidence that Jim is the man to take us into this vital part of the season.
“As soon as we spoke, I sensed his desire and hunger to succeed for the benefit of Dundee United. His knowledge of the league and the opposition was an important factor, and he really impressed the board with his passion for the challenge we face.
“As a club, I would ask everyone of a tangerine persuasion unite behind his leadership of the squad as we look to end the season positively.”
