LEE’S DISRESPECTED THE CUP

shot down the Englishman’s criticism of the tournament format.

Johnson took aim after his side bowed out in shambolic style to Morton and claimed playing it so early in the season made no sense and “almost degrades the competition”.

But Dons boss Goodwin, whose side beat Raith Rovers 3-0 in the cup yesterday, reckons criticism of the July 9 start is wide of the mark and claimed Johnson might have taken a different view had his side progressed.

He said: “I like the format. I understand Lee’s comments in that if you are a new manager coming in later and don’t quite have all your transfer business done then you are in the lap of the gods in terms of what kind of squad you inherit.

“But I suppose if Lee had had some better results he’d probably be talking differently.

“I always think it’s a bit disrespectful to the sponsors to talk the competition down like that. It’s a very important domestic cup competition.”

Goodwin also revealed why he switched dugouts at Pittodrie. He told BBC Sportsound: “I feel the opposition could influence the linesman far too often there. I’d rather look after the officials.”