Dundee United manager Jim Goodwin is officially back on the sidelines this Saturday, ending a three-game absence that was a “huge surprise” to everyone, especially himself. After a recent hospital scare that required what he called “a simple procedure,” the 44-year-old boss is “back to full health and raring to go,” just in time for a massive clash against his former club, St Mirren.
Goodwin opened up on Friday, sharing just how much this whole ordeal blindsided him. He said the procedure was “pretty straight forward in the end,” and once it is “all tidied up,” it won’t be something he needs to worry about. But make no mistake, this wasn’t just another flu bug. He was “a huge surprise to me and my wife and to my children.” This dude is tough, man. He’s “not one that gets coughs or colds,” and he’s “not one that misses days at work.” He even admitted he’s “not a great patient,” which just makes you realize how jarring this must have been for him. Nobody expects to be sidelined like that, especially someone who lives and breathes the game every single day.
Despite the personal shock, the outpouring of support for Goodwin has been absolutely insane. He was “absolutely overwhelmed” by the messages pouring in from the “football world and far beyond.” From the club itself, to the supporters who put on a “nice display” last week against Falkirk, plus his family and the amazing NHS staff, everyone stepped up. You love to see it when the community rallies around one of their own, especially when a coach means so much to a club. While he was out, assistant Lee Sharp held down the fort, overseeing a rollercoaster run: a dominant 4-0 win away to Kilmarnock, a tough defeat at Motherwell, and a home draw with Falkirk. Goodwin was definitely hands-on from afar, though, keeping up “constant dialogue” with the staff and players, watching games, and communicating with the bench.
Now, he’s back, and it’s a huge moment for Dundee United. This Saturday’s trip to Paisley to face St Mirren isn’t just a regular game; it’s his return to “a familiar spot” against his old team. You just know Goodwin is going to be absolutely buzzing to be back on the touchline, leading his squad. What an emotional return for the gaffer, and what a test for the team as he steps back into the thick of it!
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Yahoo Sports.
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