Jim Goodwin has signed a new 12-month rolling contract as Dundee United manager, expressing his belief that the club is “only scratching the surface of what we can achieve together”. The new contract highlights the strong bond between the team, the manager and the fans.
Jim Goodwin has committed his future to Dundee United, signing a new 12-month rolling contract that will see him continue as manager of the Tangerines. Goodwin, who took the reins at Tannadice in March 2023, has expressed his belief that the club is "only scratching the surface of what we can achieve together," signaling his ambition to build on the strong foundations already in place.
The 43-year-old, formerly of St Mirren and Aberdeen, faced the immediate challenge of trying to prevent Dundee United's relegation upon his arrival. Despite his best efforts, the club was demoted from the Scottish Premiership. However, Goodwin orchestrated an immediate return to the top flight, guiding the team to the Scottish Championship title and securing promotion at the first time of asking.
Last season marked another significant milestone for Goodwin's Dundee United, as they finished fourth in the Premiership, earning a coveted spot in the Conference League qualifiers. This achievement underscored the progress made under Goodwin's leadership and fueled hopes for further success on the European stage. Reflecting on the club's recent accomplishments, Goodwin remarked, "They're just the start," emphasizing his determination to continue pushing the boundaries of what Dundee United can achieve.
"It's been a tremendous journey throughout the past two years and I'm incredibly pleased with what we've built here," Goodwin stated, highlighting the positive strides made during his tenure. "I said when I arrived that I wanted to give the supporters a team that they can be proud of and I believe, as a collective, we have achieved that thus far." His words reflect a deep connection with the club's fanbase and a shared commitment to building a successful and sustainable future.
Goodwin emphasized the long-term vision for Dundee United, stating, "We're building something sustainable, something with identity, and I truly believe we're only scratching the surface of what we can achieve together." This statement underscores his commitment to creating a lasting legacy at the club, one that extends beyond short-term gains and focuses on establishing a consistent level of success.
Dundee United's Chief Executive, Luigi Capuano, echoed Goodwin's sentiments, emphasizing the importance of stability and shared ambition. "The togetherness between Jim and the board puts us in the best possible position to prolong our prosperity and achieve our long-term ambitions of regularly competing for the top six, reaching the latter stages of cup competitions and returning to the European stage," Capuano stated.
Capuano also acknowledged the crucial role played by the club's supporters in Goodwin's decision to extend his stay. "The terrific connection that has been nurtured between the club and the supporters was a huge factor in Jim's decision to remain here, as he sees further opportunity to build upon the strong foundations that have been laid since his arrival with the backing of everyone connected with the club." This highlights the strong bond between the team, the manager, and the fans, creating a united front as they strive for continued success.
As Dundee United prepares to resume Premiership action after the international break, their upcoming away match against Hibernian on Saturday will provide an immediate opportunity to showcase their progress and demonstrate their ambition for the season ahead. With Jim Goodwin at the helm, the Tangerines are poised to build on their recent achievements and continue their upward trajectory in Scottish football.
Image source, SNSJim Goodwin has been with Dundee United for two-and-a-half years