Sam grateful to Goodwin for his show of faith
Sam Foley believes he’s finally found the type of manager that set him on the road to a career in football.
The 33-year-old is loving life at St Mirren under Jim Goodwin.
Speaking about the joy of finding a boss on same wavelength is an emotional experience for Foley.
It reminds him of the mixed emotions that came his way playing under Justin Edinburgh.
The former Tottenham defender passed away last summer, while managing Leyton Orient.
He was the man who twice showed faith in Foley.
Sadly, the midfielder could only repay him during one spell.
He recalled: “I get on really well with Jim Goodwin. But the main manager from my past is Justin Edinburgh.
“He showed faith in me, that I probably didn’t have in myself, as a young man.
“He trusted me with quite a bit of responsibility when I was at Newport County and, on the back of that, I got a move to the Football League.
“God rest his soul, I owe a lot to Justin.
“You pick up things from all managers, some good, some bad. If you can take the good things then you get a lot of positives.
“Justin was very honest with me. The key is being a people person and understanding which buttons to push on people, and which not to push on other people.
“He was a master of that and I’m thankful for him.
“I think Jim has an air about him that shows he’s honest. That’s all you can ask for as a player.
“He’s hard working and I think that’s reflected in the team’s performances.”
Foley is grateful to Goodwin for handing him a two-year contract last summer, despite being the wrong side of 30.
He went on: “I’ve been given a new lease of life.
“I came into the game late, so I’ve never really thought of age being anything.
“I was always playing catch-up. I made my league debut at 25, which is quite late.
“I’m just trying to make the most of every minute.”
Saints are currently sitting just one point above the relegation playoff spot as they entertain Aberdeen today.
Foley would prefer the club aimed for the top six, rather than just avoiding the drop.
He’s determined to help Goodwin in a way that he couldn’t during his second spell with Justin Edinburgh.
He explained: “Justin signed me a second time when he was at Northampton.
“Unfortunately, I got injured, didn’t kick a ball for him, and he then got sacked.
“I rolled my ankle in a pre-season game.
“It’s a source of regret that I couldn’t help him stay in the job.
“He had quite a profound impact on me.”