Let’s go from tears to cheers
Another big Gers clash for Goody
Jim Goodwin doesn’t hide the fact that he was close to tears the last time he faced Rangers in Paisley.
The Irishman was given a hero’s send off in his final game for the Buddies as they secured a 2-2 draw with the Glasgow side back in 2016.
The former midfielder was a reluctant departure that summer as Alex Rae wielded the axe on the Championship squad.
Now that he’s operating at the helm, Goodwin hopes to have a smile on his face at the full-time whistle following the clash with Steven Gerrard’s men tomorrow afternoon.
He said: “That was an emotional day and a sad day for me. I loved my time here as a player and I never wanted to leave but that is the nature of the beast.
“I was getting on and the manager wanted to freshen the squad, as they are entitled to. You just have to accept it and take it on the chin.
“I moved to Alloa part-time which was a great learning curve but an eye opener for me. It was sad but I am back at the club and I can’t wait.
“I trust the players can cause Rangers problems. The first three games have been a baptism of fire but I wouldn’t have it any other way.
“Some people thought we didn’t stand a chance in the games against Aberdeen and Hibs but if there is a good time to face the big boys it is when they are in Europe and have other things going on.”
Rangers will have their Europa League second-leg clash with Legia Warsaw on their mind as they ready themselves to take on the Poles at Ibrox onThursday.
Goodwin expects Rangers to change things up for the tie at the Simple Digital Arena – but says he won’t be springing any surprises.
He said: “Rangers are in the tie at 0-0 and it might have a bearing on Steven’s team. We will play the exact same way we did against Hibs and Aberdeen in our first two games. We have no secrets and I have nothing to hide.
“The boys have done great, so why would I change it? I won’t try and be clever or do anything out of the ordinary. We will be organised and set up the same way we did in our first two games.”
Goodwin will have new striker Junior Morias to call upon for the clash afer making the ex-Northampton man his tenth summer addition.
And he revealed the 24-year-old may not be the last to come through the doors.
He added: “I will keep asking the board for more and I will ask them for one more signing – I think I said that to them about four signings ago mind you.”