BUILT TO LAST
Goodwin wants to bring security back to Buddies
NEW St Mirren manager Jim Goodwin has vowed to bring stability back to the Buddies by ending their damaging revolving-door policy.
The 2013 League Cupwinning captain wants to build strong foundations during the course of his three-year deal with the Premiership club.
Ex-Alloa boss Goodwin knows shrewd recruitment will be key to taking St Mirren to new heights and is determined to put an end to the influx of new players every transfer window.
He said: “Stability is key for this club. St Mirren have had far too many changes recently.
“The chairman and the board would hold their hands up to that. That was a big part of the discussions when I met them.
“We know that chopping and changing the manager every six to 12 months is not good.
“It is not healthy for the club on top of having to turn over 10 to 12 players a season. I have signed a three-year contract and hopefully I will be here for those three years and beyond.
“In my playing career I was always two or three years at a club and with Alloa as a manager I stayed for three years. I hope to build something here – that is the big thing.
“I want to sign good, young players who want to be here for a few years. I don’t want to have an influx of eight to 10 players every transfer window.
“You can’t build any team spirit or morale within the group by doing that. Players just want a strong structure.
“One thing I discovered at Alloa was that a manager is only as good as his recruitment. We need to try to finish higher in the table than what we did last year and embark on decent cup runs. I don’t think survival alone is enough for a club like this.”
To keep stability within the squad Goodwin will do all he can to prevent sought-after keeper Vaclav Hladky from quitting the club.
He said: “We’ll do everything we can to hold on to our best players. He’s a big part of what we’re trying to do. Hopefully we get him tied to a longer contract.”