Get all your news in one place.
100’s of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
The National (Scotland)
The National (Scotland)
Sport
Ewan Paton

Dundee United appoint Jim Goodwin as new manager

Jim Goodwin has been appointed as Dundee United's new manager.

The Irishman has been named as the quick-fire replacement for Liam Fox at Tannadice.

The shock news comes a little over one-month after Goodwin was sacked by Aberdeen following a dismal run of form, which included a 6-0 thumping at the hands of Hibs and a 1-0 loss to Darvel in the Scottish Cup.

In a further twist to the tale, his first game as Arabs boss will come against former club Dons this Saturday evening.

Both Craig Levein and John Hughes were interviewed by the Premiership's bottom club. 

However, it is Goodwin who has been selected as the successful canidate.

The 41-year-old has agreed a contract until the end of the season. He will be joined by long-term No.2 Lee Sharp, with Charlie Mulgrew remaining on the coaching team.

Goodwin 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."

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.”

Finally, CEO Luigi Capuano added “I am really pleased to welcome Jim to Dundee United as manager. 

"The conversations with Jim have been very positive, and I look forward to working with him for the remainder of this season. 

“Everyone connected with the Club has worked extremely hard to return Dundee United to the Premiership and we now have 12 matches remaining to ensure that is still the case come the end of the season.” 

United are rooted to the foot of the Premiership table. They're currently four points behind nearest rivals Kilmarnock and Ross County, although they do have a game in hand on both sides.

In further dramatic scenes this week, sporting director Tony Asghar walked away from the club, as he paved the way for a fresh start within the football  department at Tannadice.

It has also been reported that US-based owner Mark Ogren has been approached by a prominent local businessman about selling his majority shareholding in the club.

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100’s of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.